Forecasters say Southern California rainstorm will peak Tuesday
Meteorologists predict that a storm bringing rain across Southern California beginning Monday evening, March 9, will peak on Tuesday before tapering off ahead of the weekend in some areas.
Precipitation was projected to fall overnight in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties, the National Weather Service reported. The heaviest showers should take place on Tuesday. Brief, heavy downpours, small hail and waterspouts may form in some places, and thunderstorms are likely this week.
Lightning will be possible for most areas of southwest CA on Tuesday. You are especially vulnerable to lightning when out in the open, such as visiting the ocean. Find a safe building or retreat to a vehicle if you hear thunder! https://t.co/KM2rzaPdTo #BeSafe #LAweather #CAwx pic.twitter.com/HQldAYJlgZ
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) March 9, 2020
The storm could bring localized street flooding and slow commutes, the Weather Service said, while residents were reminded that sandbags are available.
The @NWSSanDiego has predicted a Pacific storm heading into Riverside County late tonight, with heaviest precipitation Tuesday. We encourage all residents to be prepared & storm ready before the rain begins! pic.twitter.com/pQ8hi59oQ0
— CAL FIRE Riverside (@CALFIRERRU) March 9, 2020
We’re tracking the incoming storm. Latest forecasts still show potential rainfall intensities below thresholds that might produce mud and debris flows in recent burn scars. @NWSSanDiego gives great advice for driving in the rain — slow down and don’t cross flooded roadways. https://t.co/dVVGBUwJuD
— RivCoReady (@RivCoReady) March 9, 2020
Riverside County officials said the latest forecasts indicated rain would not be strong enough to trigger mud and debris flows in burn scars.
Mountain areas could receive anywhere between 1 to 3 inches of rain that day, NWS Meteorologist Mark Moede said. Cities in the Inland Empire and Orange County might see as much as 1.5 inches of rain, while the coasts and valleys of Los Angeles may see between 1 and 2 inches. Desert communities like Hesperia and Victorville may receive between .5 and 1 inch of precipitation.
Here are the latest forecast rainfall totals (through Thu morn). Highest amounts in the mountains with up to 3″ possible. There’s a slight chance of t-storms on Tue with brief heavy rain, small hail, and waterspouts possible. #CAwx #LARain pic.twitter.com/NQDeBarmXn
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) March 9, 2020
The chance for precipitation should end in Los Angeles County by Thursday. However, a separate storm traveling west across northern Mexico later in the week may bring scattered showers to parts of Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties as late as Saturday, Moede said.
Great satellite view of the system in the Pacific that will bring us widespread rain tomorrow and periods of showers through Friday. https://t.co/UeG5Iegw9Q
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) March 9, 2020
Snow should only fall at elevations higher than 7,000 feet this week, and no more than an inch of fresh powder was projected to come down in resort areas, Moede said. Temperatures could drop to the mid 40s in the Santa Monica Mountains, and as low as 31 degrees in Big Bear by Tuesday evening, according to NWS forecasts.
“Only the highest roads in the highest mountains will see some significant snow,” he said.
Cloud cover and moisture should keep temperatures cool until the weekend, Moede said. Highs were expected to stay between the mid 60s to low 70s throughout the week in Van Nuys, Long Beach, Ontario, Pasadena and Santa Ana, while lows should hover near the mid 50s.
Rain is on the way to #SoCal.
Prepare for slower commutes Tuesday morning and evening and always drive with caution on wet pavement. pic.twitter.com/as2rks9ny6
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) March 9, 2020