At a Glance
- Heavy Thursday storm brings 1-5 inches of rain to Los Angeles County.
- Evacuation warnings issued for burn-scar zones.
- Mountain roads closed ahead of potential rockslides.
- Why it matters: Residents and parade attendees must prepare for wet conditions and possible evacuations.
A powerful storm will hit Southern California overnight into Thursday, bringing 1 to 5 inches of rain to Los Angeles County. The forecast triggers evacuation warnings for wildfire burn-scar areas and flash flood watches for widespread parts of the region. The storm will also close several mountain roads due to damage from last week’s weather.
Storm Outlook and Rainfall
The heaviest rain arrives early Thursday morning, continuing until about 8 a.m., just as the Rose Parade begins on Colorado Boulevard. Light to moderate showers are expected to linger through Thursday evening and Friday, with another round possible Saturday into Sunday. Estimated rainfall amounts are 1-3 inches for most areas and 2-5 inches in the mountains.
| Area | Expected Rainfall |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles County | 1-3 inches |
| Mountain regions | 2-5 inches |
Evacuation and Flash Flood Alerts
Evacuation warnings begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday for burn-scar zones, including the Palisades, Eaton, Agua Dulce, Franklin, Bridge, Kenneth, and Canyon fires, and the Sunset Fire area in Hollywood Hills. Flash flood watches are in effect from 10 p.m. Wednesday until 10 p.m. Thursday for widespread parts of Southern California. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has positioned fire and rescue personnel in the most at-risk areas.
Road Closures and Parade Impact
All lanes of State Route 2 are closed near Cedar Springs, 3.3 miles east of Newcomb’s Ranch, to State Route 138 in San Bernardino County. Other closures include:
- 5 Freeway north of Los Angeles: both Tejon Pass rest areas closed near Gorman.
- State Route 33 between Fairview Road and Lockwood Valley Road in Ventura County.
- Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Grandview Drive and Pacific Coast Highway.
These closures aim to prevent rockslides as the wet weather arrives. The Rose Parade, scheduled for New Year’s Day, will see wet conditions, and the Rose Bowl game at 1 p.m. between No. 1 Indiana and No. 9 Alabama may also be damp.
Key Takeaways
- 1-5 inches of rain expected, triggering evacuation warnings for burn-scar zones.
- Flash flood watches cover widespread Southern California areas.
- Multiple mountain roads closed to safeguard against rockslides.
Residents in affected areas should monitor local alerts and be ready to evacuate if ordered. Parade participants and visitors should plan for wet conditions and check road closures before heading to Pasadena.
