Debris Flow Threat for Southwest California

news image
Top Stories
18 Mar 2018 7:10 PM
All eyes continue to be on a strong storm system that will be making its way into Southwest California Tuesday through Thursday night. An atmospheric river, or an intense plume of moisture out over the Pacific Ocean, will supply the approaching system with enough water to likely produce some of the highest rainfall totals so far this season for this area. https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/975545834807808000 The heaviest of the rain is expected to fall between late Tuesday night and early Thursday We could see peak rainfall rates between 0.50-0.75" per hour, which could lead to an increased threat of flash flooding/debris flows in the Thomas, Whittier, Creek, and La Tuna burn scar areas. https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/10156232567654874/ Pre-Evacuation advisories are already in effect for some cities in and near these burn scar locations. https://twitter.com/countyofsb/status/975177158653022208 Storm totals are forecast to be between 1-4" for the coasts and valleys and up to 6" possible in the foothills and mountains. In addition to a concern for the recent burn areas, other impacts include widespread flooding across the entire region and rockslides in/near canyons. Check in with your local emergency managers for the latest evacuation notices prior to this storm. For WeatherNation, I'm Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo
All Weather News
More
Heavy Snow This Weekend for the Carolinas & Mid-Atlantic

Heavy Snow This Weekend for the Carolinas & Mid-Atlantic

Snow has started piling up around portions of

1 Feb 2026 3:20 AM
Cold Alerts Issued as 100K+ Customers Remain Without Power

Cold Alerts Issued as 100K+ Customers Remain Without Power

While it has now been about a week since a ma

1 Feb 2026 3:20 AM
Gulf-Effect Snow Possible This Weekend

Gulf-Effect Snow Possible This Weekend

You've been warned, iguanas. We've had glanci

1 Feb 2026 3:15 AM
Rain Finally Makes a Return to the Northwest

Rain Finally Makes a Return to the Northwest

More precipitation is in the forecast across

1 Feb 2026 3:00 AM
Lake-Effect Snow Continues, Shifts Toward Chicago This Weekend

Lake-Effect Snow Continues, Shifts Toward Chicago This Weekend

Persistent bursts of cold air have continued

31 Jan 2026 3:00 AM
Thousands Without Power as another Systems Brews

Thousands Without Power as another Systems Brews

ABOVE - Up to one inch of ice accumulated acr

29 Jan 2026 12:30 PM
Cold Air Sticks Around the Central to Eastern U.S.

Cold Air Sticks Around the Central to Eastern U.S.

Temperatures have been record-breaking with h

29 Jan 2026 2:50 AM