Recent devastating debris flows have struck parts of Southern California, following catastrophic wildfires. The threat persists today, with one vehicle swept off a road and some neighborhoods evacuated. Stay informed with the latest weather updates from California and around the nation.
(03:30 PM EST) Statewide Road Closures Reported
Hazardous road conditions, including flooded on-ramps and freeway lanes, are causing road closures across California. Officials advise residents to avoid unnecessary travel. For the latest closure information, click here.
(03:16 PM EST) Record Rainfall in Los Angeles
Southern California, including Los Angeles, has experienced record-breaking rainfall, with 2.8 inches recorded yesterday. This marks L.A.’s highest total for February 13th, surpassing a record set nearly 70 years ago. Thursday also saw downtown L.A.’s heaviest rainfall in over a year.
(02:57 PM EST) Winter Storm Update for California
Based on insights from meteorologist Jonathan Belles, the recent heavy rain in Southern California is likely a temporary event in an otherwise drier winter. While some storms are expected to bring rainfall, overall, the Southwest region should experience below-average precipitation this season.
(02:50 PM EST) Ongoing Power Outages
California is facing around 18,000 power outages, with a significant number in the Los Angeles area. The cause of these outages, whether weather-related or other factors, remains unclear.
(02:12 PM EST) Snow Blessings for Skiers
With over 30 inches of snowfall in parts of the Sierra Nevada, ski resorts are delighted ahead of the holiday weekend. Check out the snowfall totals here.
(01:59 PM EST) Long-Term Debris Flow Risk After Wildfires
Wildfires alter soil composition, increasing the risk of debris flows in burn scar areas for up to five years. Subsequent fires exacerbate these conditions, highlighting the prolonged threat these areas face.
(01:47 PM EST) Travel Advisory for Bay Area
Bay Area Rapid Transit is experiencing delays due to inclement weather. Additionally, several road closures persist in mudslide and flood-affected regions.
(01:38 PM EST) Weather Outlook for California
As per meteorologist Chris Dolce, rain showers and mountain snow will diminish through the afternoon, leading to a dry Friday night and Saturday. Most of California will remain dry until mid-next week, except for Northern California, where some rain showers and high-elevation snowfall are expected.
Thursday’s storm had a significant impact on the state. Looking back 130 years ago to Valentine’s Day in 1895, some southernmost locations in the U.S. were buried in over a foot of snow. The weather conditions were even more extreme than this year’s Winter Storm Enzo. Read meteorologist Jonathan Erdman’s historical account of the 1895 winter storm.
Meteorologist Chris Dolce highlights Winter Storm Jett, which will affect both the North and South regions in different ways. Severe weather, including damaging winds and tornadoes, is expected in the South on Saturday, along with heavy rain leading to a flood threat in certain areas. The Great Lakes and Northeast, including Chicago and Syracuse, New York, will experience snow, strong winds, and ice. Additionally, New York City may see snowfall followed by rain. Moreover, arctic cold blasts will lower temperatures significantly in the north-central states.
While the U.S. faces winter storms and cold weather, tropical cyclone season is underway in Australia. Tropical Cyclone Zelia, comparable to a Category 3 hurricane, made landfall in northwest Australia, causing minimal impact due to landing in a sparsely-populated region.
Pictures from Altadena, Malibu, and Sierra Madre, California, depict vehicles stuck in mud and debris, rendering roads impassable. An atmospheric river, carrying moisture from the tropics via wind, triggered floods and mudslides in California. On average, 24 atmospheric rivers hit the U.S. West Coast each winter, contributing to water supply. Scientists suggest these storms may intensify with global warming.
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles is assessing damage in Oxnard following a possible tornado that damaged a mobile home park. An interstate in Oregon reopened after a pileup involving numerous vehicles, caused by the hazardous conditions from Winter Storm Jett. Initially reported as more than 100 vehicles, the number was later corrected.
What are Debris Flows?
Debris flows are a particularly perilous form of mudslide often triggered by brief, intense rainstorms. These flows can unleash a forceful torrent of water, soil, ash, vegetation, rocks, and other debris hurtling down slopes, engulfing or burying anything in their path. Areas left barren by wildfires, known as burn scars, are especially susceptible to these destructive events. The threat may linger even after the storm subsides, underscoring the importance for individuals in these regions to heed the guidance of local authorities.
(10:59 AM EST) Up To 8 Inches Of Rain In Some Spots
According to senior meteorologist Chris Dolce from weather.com, over the 3-day period leading up to this morning, rainfall in the higher elevations of Southern California reached up to 5 to 8 inches, with the bulk of it falling yesterday and overnight. Downtown Los Angeles recorded 2.87 inches of rain, while certain areas around San Diego saw totals exceeding 3 inches.
(10:52 AM EST) Evacuation Orders In Eaton Fire Burn Scar Area
Residents residing northeast of Los Angeles in parts of Sierra Madre have been issued evacuation orders due to the looming threat of debris flows in areas ravaged by the Eaton Fire. A social media announcement from the city highlighted that fire, police, and public works personnel would abstain from entering regions experiencing active mud and debris flows. Those who opted not to evacuate were advised to seek shelter in place.
(10:32 AM EST) Long Stretch Of Pacific Coast Highway Closed
A 45-mile segment of the Pacific Coast Highway, spanning between Malibu and Santa Monica, remains shut down until further notice. The closure is necessary to clear the roadway following severe flooding and mudslides that impacted the area.
(10:04 AM EST) Emergency Vehicle Swept Away
An incident unfolded wherein a member of the Los Angeles Fire Department found themselves in a vehicle swept into the waters during a substantial debris flow in Malibu on Thursday evening. Fortunately, the individual managed to exit the vehicle and reach safety with minor injuries. As a precaution, they were taken to a local hospital for assessment, as confirmed by LAFD spokesperson Erik Scott in a social media update.
