'Prepare Like Your Life Depends On It': Powerful Storm To Slam SoCal
ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Weather experts and local authorities are sounding the alarm ahead of the most powerful atmospheric river to hit the Southland. The impending storm comes just days after another atmospheric river doused the region, increasing the odds of mudslides and flooding.
According to experts, the worst is yet to come.
“This atmospheric river will be longer and potentially stronger than the one that just moved through California,” said Kristen Stewart with NWS LA. “The storm bring significant rain, mountain snow and strong winds to California Saturday night through Tuesday.”
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The National Weather Service warned that this weekend’s storm is “shaping out to be a life-threatening flooding situation,” particularly in Malibu and Santa Barbara.
“If you live in Santa Barbara/Malibu I am BEGGING you to prepare like your life is on the line next week,” San Francisco Chronicle meteorologist Anthony Edwards wrote on X Thursday.
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The rain is expected to hit the Los Angeles region as early as Saturday, moving south to San Diego and inland by Saturday night. Some of the heaviest rainfall is expected Sunday and Monday, according to the National Weather Service. Scattered showers are forecast through the middle of next week across Southern California.
From Los Angeles to Riverside and San Diego counties, cool temperatures with highs in the low 60s are expected throughout the coming week.
This storm will be much cooler than the last one, with snow levels dropping to below 6,000 feet.
With several warnings of heavy mountain snow, flooding and dangerous rip currents in place, meteorologists emphasized caution. Officials warned against driving, saying travel will be next to impossible in low-lying areas — especially on the coast.
Residents in coastal areas are urged to stay vigilant against flooding in low-lying areas.
“Some of the rainfall totals could be locally considerable with flash, urban and small stream flooding — as well as debris flows and mudslides,” Stewart said.
According to the NWS, SoCal residents can expect heavy rainfall starting Sunday. On the coast and in the valleys, experts anticipate anywhere from 3 inches to 6 inches of rain.
In the mountains and foothills, six to 12 inches of rain are expected from the storm.
Powerful winds up to 45 miles per hour are expected throughout the storm. In coastal areas, hazardous surf conditions are anticipated.
On the coast, residents can expect the hazardous surf conditions to stick around throughout the storm.
In Los Angeles County, residents should avoid large breaking waves with dangerous rip currents. Surf at west-facing beaches will peak at seven to 12 feet.
In Orange and San Diego counties, residents can expect waves of five to eight feet with local sets of up to 10 feet expected.
Mountain residents can also expect heavy snow at higher altitudes, with a “significant” winter storm predicted for the Sierra Nevada. Experts cautioned residents that at least several feet of snow would be likely, and disruptions to daily life — including difficult to impossible travel conditions — are expected.
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The storm is slated to last for several days. Following days of downpours, a chance of scattered showers is forecast across Southern California through Thursday of next week.
Patch Staffer Chris Lindahl contributed to this report.
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