Los Angeles braces for worst storm: Heavy rain, 45-50 MPH winds, ‘extensive street flooding’ possible

Spring 2023 in Southern California is very similar to Winter 2023 in Southern California.

The second day of spring in and around Los Angeles brought a seemingly endless stream of atmospheric flooding events and about an inch of rain to most of the region, with more to come tonight.

According to the NWS, up to 3 inches of rain could fall in coastal and valley areas by the time the storm subsides Wednesday, with foothills and mountainous areas receiving 3 to 6 inches. Most of the region already receives almost double the average seasonal rainfall. For example, the Department of Water and Power headquarters downtown has seen 32 inches so far, according to data from LA Public Works. The seasonal average for this time of year is about 17 inches. This means that by Wednesday the season total could even be double the average.

The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for most of Los Angeles until Wednesday afternoon, with “extensive road flooding and creek and river flooding possible.” A statement from the Weather Service said: “From Tuesday into Tuesday night there is a low risk (15% to 40% chance) of excessive precipitation and flash flooding along and west of the mountains with a low risk (5% to 15% chance) ).. ) of flash flooding. Flooding for our deserts,” the NWS Los Angeles office said. “Snow is expected primarily on higher mountain peaks.”

Early morning flooding and mud closed the connection from southbound I-5 to the right lane of State Route 110 southbound at Elysian Park (the route was later reopened).

Several other stretches of highway between Santa Barbara and Ventura counties and in the surrounding mountains are also closed A CalTrans tweet.

Snow reduced visibility near the mountain. Wilson to “a big ‘no’ today,” according to Caltrans District 8, which serves LA County.

A wind warning is in place for most of the region until 11pm Tuesday with gusts of 45-50 mph. A severe high wind warning is in effect for coastal and inland areas of Orange County until 10 p.m. Tuesday.

Antelope Valley has also received a high wind warning with possible gusts of up to 75mph, with a weather station over Magic Mountain registering gusts of 102mph earlier this morning, prompting the park to be closed today. Santa Anita also canceled its races.

A winter storm warning is in effect until 11 pm Wednesday in the San Gabriel Mountains and freeway corridors 5 and 14. Forecasters predicted accumulations of 2 to 5 feet of snow above 6,000 feet, with 10 to 20 inches between 5,000 and 6,000 feet and 2 to 10 inches between 3,500 and 5,000 feet is possible – accompanied by wind gusts of up to 75 miles per hour. Several inches of snow could fall on the Grapevine section of the Golden State (5) Expressway, according to NWS.

Forecasters said the morning rain was likely to ease by early afternoon, followed by another flurry of rain later in the day. They found that the storm’s first wave was actually weaker than expected, although heavier rain was reported along the Los Angeles/Orange County line.

The City News Service contributed to this report.