LOS ANGELES, Calif. – A powerful atmospheric river storm swept into Southern California early Friday, bringing steady rainfall, gusty winds, and heightened flood risks across the region. Forecasters say the system will intensify through Saturday, with rainfall totals reaching 3 to 6 inches in many areas and even higher amounts in the foothills and mountain slopes.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for much of the region through Saturday evening, warning that rainfall rates could reach up to 1 inch per hour, potentially leading to dangerous flooding, mudslides, and debris flows, especially near recent wildfire burn scars.
Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds Expected
Light showers Friday morning gave way to heavier rain bands by afternoon, as the first in a series of Pacific storms strengthened along the coast. The NWS warned that rainfall rates could increase rapidly during peak intensity Friday night through Saturday morning.
Between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Saturday, forecasters expect:
- 2–3 inches of rain across coastal and valley regions
- 2–4 inches across coastal slopes
- Localized rainfall rates up to 1 inch per hour in thunderstorms
“Rainfall rates will mostly be near a half-inch per hour, but heavier bursts will be near one inch per hour,” the National Weather Service stated.
The CBS LA Next Weather team has issued an Alert Day through Saturday night, advising residents to prepare for disruptions to travel, outdoor events, and commutes.
Evacuation Warnings and Burn Scar Concerns
Local officials have declared evacuation warnings for numerous communities located near burn scars and steep hillsides, where saturated soil could trigger mudslides and debris flows.
In Ventura County, warnings are in effect through Sunday evening for:
- Mountain Fire Burn Area
- Matilija Canyon/North Fork
- Camino Cielo area
- La Conchita and Camp Chaffee communities
In Los Angeles County, officials have issued evacuation warnings for neighborhoods impacted by previous wildfires, including:
- Canyon, Bethany, Eaton, Palisades, Hurst, Kenneth, Sunset, Lidia, Franklin, and Bridge burn areas
After 8 p.m. Friday, some advisories will escalate to mandatory evacuation orders for select properties.
According to LA County officials, 126 homes are affected, and law enforcement officers have been conducting door-to-door notifications in areas such as Altadena.
“Please follow all directions from emergency responders throughout the duration of this event,” LA County officials urged in a statement.
Additional evacuation warnings have been issued in Orange County near the Airport Fire burn scar—including Trabuco Creek, Hot Springs Canyon, and Bell Canyon—and in San Bernardino County near the Bridge and Line Fire burn scars.
Shelters and Sandbag Distribution
The American Red Cross has opened three emergency shelters for displaced residents in Los Angeles County:
- Stoner Park Recreation Center, 1835 Stoner Ave., Los Angeles
- College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd., Valencia
- Arcadia Community Park, 405 S. Santa Anita Ave., Arcadia
To assist homeowners preparing for the storm, LA County Public Works has established temporary sandbag pickup locations in fire-impacted areas, including:
- Public Works Fleet Maintenance Yard, Altadena
- Malibu Library Parking Lot, Malibu
Residents must show proof of local residency to collect sandbags. Free, ready-to-fill bags are also available at all LAFD fire stations year-round.
Road Closures and Travel Impacts
Officials have closed Topanga Canyon Boulevard (State Route 27) between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive due to heavy rain and the risk of rockslides. The closure covers a 3.6-mile stretch through the Palisades Fire Zone and will remain in effect until conditions improve.
Motorists across Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange counties are urged to avoid canyon roads and low-lying areas prone to flooding.
What’s Next
Rain is expected to taper off Saturday night, with dry and clearer conditions returning by Sunday morning. However, meteorologists warn that another Pacific storm system is forecast to arrive Monday, potentially bringing additional rain showers early next week.
Authorities continue to urge residents in at-risk areas to stay alert, monitor local alerts, and evacuate immediately if instructed.
For ongoing updates on Southern California’s storm systems, evacuation orders, and real-time travel advisories, stay tuned to HonkNews.com for accurate, community-focused weather coverage.