At a Glance
- Southern California will see heavy rain on Saturday, with 1-1.5 inches expected across multiple counties.
- The forecast begins Friday afternoon and continues through next week, with a brief lull late Sunday into Monday.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass have pre-positioned emergency resources for flooding, mud, and debris flows.
Why it matters: Residents and businesses must prepare for potential flooding and road closures.
Southern California is set to receive its heaviest January rainfall on Saturday, as a new storm system pushes 1-1.5 inches of rain into Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, and the Inland Empire. Meteorologist Stephanie Olmo warns of consecutive storms that could strain emergency services.
Rain Forecast
Stephanie Olmo of NBC4 says the first showers will start Friday afternoon, with a main band arriving around 8 or 9 a.m. Saturday. The skies will be mostly cloudy, with isolated showers, and the heaviest precipitation will hit around midday.
- Ventura County: first to get rain, 1-1.5 inches
- Los Angeles County: early afternoon, 1-1.5 inches
- Orange County: later, 1-1.5 inches
- Inland Empire: same, 1-1.5 inches
| County | Expected Rainfall | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Ventura | 1-1.5 in | Friday afternoon |
| Los Angeles | 1-1.5 in | Early afternoon Saturday |
| Orange | 1-1.5 in | Saturday midday |
| Inland Empire | 1-1.5 in | Saturday midday |
Preparedness Measures
Gov. Gavin Newsom has directed the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to pre-position fire and rescue personnel in flood-prone areas, especially burn-scar regions. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass activated the city’s Emergency Operations Center and bolstered the Los Angeles Fire Department’s staffing for swift-water rescues and debris-flow response.
NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles)
> “Unsettled weather will continue as another storm arrives this weekend. Refer to the images below for details. A brief break is possible late Sunday into Monday, then another system is forecast to bring more rain into mid-week. #CAwx #LArain”
Key Takeaways
- Southern California faces heavy rain on Saturday with 1-1.5 inches.
- Emergency services are pre-positioned for flooding and debris flows.
- A brief lull is expected late Sunday into Monday before another storm.
With temperatures in the low 60s and a series of storms on the horizon, residents should stay alert for changing conditions and heed official warnings.
