Southern California residents are urged to brace themselves as the first of two storms hits the region, bringing widespread rainfall and potential flooding concerns. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued various advisories to ensure public safety.

Flood Advisory and Watch

The NWS has issued a Flood Advisory for the majority of Los Angeles County, effective until 8 a.m. Thursday. This advisory follows the detection of moderate to heavy rainfall on Doppler radar. Additionally, a Flood Watch is in effect for several parts of Southern California from 6 a.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Friday. This watch covers areas in San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego counties, including cities such as Idyllwild-Pine Cove, Garden Grove, Fontana, Huntington Beach, and more.

The NWS warns that the flood threat will extend below the snow level, projected to be between 7,000 and 7,500 feet. Rainfall rates of one-half to three-quarters of an inch per hour are anticipated.

Winter Storm Warning for San Bernardino County Mountains

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the San Bernardino County mountains, spanning from 4 a.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday. This warning includes areas like Big Bear Lake, Running Springs, and Wrightwood. The NWS forecasts a combination of gusty winds and heavy snowfall, with varying accumulation totals based on elevation.

• Elevations from 6,000 to 7,000 ft.: 2–6 inches
• Elevations from 7,000 to 8,000 ft.: 6–12 inches
• Communities above 8,000 ft.: 12–24 inches

The snow level is expected to rise between 7,000 to 7,500 feet on Thursday morning, dropping to 5,000 ft. by the evening. The NWS advises that only necessary travel is recommended in these conditions.

Wind and Surf Advisories

A Wind Advisory is in effect for valleys in San Bernardino and Riverside counties from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday. Winds between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, are possible.

Simultaneously, a High Surf Advisory is active from 2 a.m. Thursday to 6 p.m. Saturday for Ventura County, Los Angeles County beaches, and the Malibu Coast.

The Arkstorm Threat

Meteorologists are raising awareness about a potential extreme weather event in California known as an Arkstorm or an ‘Atmospheric River 1,000 year storm.’ This event could bring up to 100 inches of rain to certain areas, leading to significant displacement of populations.

Stay Informed and Prepared

As Southern California faces the impact of these dual storms, it is crucial for residents to stay informed through reliable sources like the National Weather Service. Following recommended safety measures, especially concerning travel, will help mitigate potential risks and ensure the well-being of the community.