The Southland is bracing for a series of storms that started on Thursday, with significant rainfall and snowfall expected. The first storm is causing disruptions, and a more powerful storm is anticipated early next week.

Road Closures Due to Heavy Rain

The Pacific Coast Highway in Orange County has been affected, with both northbound and southbound lanes closed from Seapoint Street to Warner Avenue. The closure is a result of flooding caused by the heavy rain from the storm. Real-time road closures can be tracked using Caltrans’ interactive map.

Winter Wonderland in Wrightwood

Wrightwood experienced heavy snow and gusty winds as the first storm moved through Southern California. A winter storm warning is in effect for the eastern San Gabriel Mountains, including Mount Wilson, Mount Baldy, Wrightwood, and the Angeles Crest Highway. Snowfall of up to 18 inches is expected above 7,000 feet, accompanied by winds gusting up to 55 mph.

Rainy Commute in Los Angeles and Orange Counties

Drivers are navigating a rain-soaked commute in Los Angeles and Orange counties as the Southland experiences the brunt of the rainfall during the morning rush hour. The National Weather Service predicts rain rates of about a half-inch per hour, with some localized areas receiving 0.8 inches per hour. Coastal and valley areas are expected to receive 1 to 2 inches of rain, while foothills and mountains could see 3 to 5 inches.

Anticipating the “Pineapple Express”

The first storm, known as the “Pineapple Express” due to its long plume of moisture stretching back to near Hawaii, is to be followed by an even more potent storm on Sunday. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is actively preparing for potential impacts over 10 to 14 days across a broad sweep of California, from the Oregon line to San Diego and from the coast up into the mountains.

Potential Threats and Preparations

Brian Ferguson, Cal OES deputy director of crisis communications, emphasized the significant threat to Californians’ safety. The activated operations center has positioned personnel and equipment in areas most at risk from the weather. Concerns are raised about potential threats, spanning from the coast to the mountains, lasting over the coming week.

Comparisons to Last Winter

Comparisons are drawn to last winter when California faced numerous drought-busting atmospheric rivers that led to extensive flooding, big waves, and extraordinary snowfall. More than 20 people died in the aftermath. Climate scientist Daniel Swain warns that the second storm in this series has the potential to be much stronger, with models suggesting the process of bombogenesis, also known as a bomb cyclone, as it approaches the California coast.

Winter Trends and Water Supply Concerns

This year’s winter differs from the previous one, despite occasional storms. The overall trend has been drier, with a snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, typically supplying about 30% of California’s water, only at half its average to date.

In summary, Southern California is facing a series of storms, with the first causing disruptions and a more powerful one anticipated. The impacts range from road closures to heavy snowfall, and authorities are actively preparing for potential threats over the coming week. The winter trends and concerns about water supply add complexity to the current weather situation.