Southern California experienced heavy rain on Monday as the most potent in a series of storms traversed the region. The resulting flooding on certain freeways exacerbated the morning commute for many residents.

Rainfall and Regional Impact

The primary deluge occurred on Monday and is anticipated to shift eastward by midnight. Although there is a slight chance of light showers on Tuesday morning, the rest of the day is expected to be dry and warm. A minor possibility of light rain persists for Wednesday and Thursday, with the weekend forecasted to be dry and warm once again.

Over the 24-hour period ending at 4 p.m. on Monday, notable rainfall amounts were recorded across various locations. Culver City received an inch of rain, downtown witnessed 1.2 inches, Redondo Beach experienced 1.4 inches, and UCLA received 1.2 inches. San Gabriel saw approximately 1.5 inches, while most valley areas received less than an inch.

National Weather Service Advisories

As Monday marked the peak of the storm series, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued weather advisories to keep the public informed.

Weather Alerts and Impact

Evacuation Warning for Topanga Canyon

An evacuation warning was issued for the Topanga Canyon area due to the risk of mudslides resulting from heavy downpours. The area, previously affected by the Owen Fire, is particularly vulnerable to mud and debris flows.

Incidents and Flood Watch

Tree Falls on Parked Car in Woodland Hills

Fortunately, no injuries were reported when a tree fell on a parked car in Woodland Hills.

Flood Watch in Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties

A Flood Watch was in effect on Monday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. The NWS cautioned that excessive rainfall could lead to flooding, especially in areas like Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Lucerne Valley, Running Springs, Victorville, Corona, Palm Springs, Big Bear City, Moreno Valley, Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear Lake, Crestline, Laguna Beach, Wrightwood, and Ontario. Additionally, these areas might experience thunderstorms, and rain chances were expected to persist in San Bernardino Mountain communities through Tuesday.

Advisory Expirations

Flood Advisory in Ventura County

A Flood Advisory expired in west and central Ventura County at 7 a.m. on Monday.

Wind Advisory

The NWS issued a wind advisory from 11:10 p.m. on Sunday through 2 p.m. on Monday. South to southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts between 40 and 55 mph, were anticipated, particularly in mountainous and foothill areas such as the Santa Clarita Valley, western and eastern San Gabriel Mountains, Lake Castaic, Valencia, Gorman, the Tejon Pass, Acton, and Pyramid Lake.

Coastal Advisories

Surf Advisory

A high surf advisory was in effect from 1 a.m. on Tuesday until noon on Wednesday for Santa Barbara and Ventura County beaches. Ventura County was expected to experience waves as high as four to seven feet, while Santa Barbara County could see waves ranging from seven to 11 feet.

Winter Advisory