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
Active Stretch Ahead for the Upper Midwest

Active Stretch Ahead for the Upper Midwest

Several cold fronts are poised to move across

11 Sep 2026 2:23 AM
Tropics: Power Restoration Underway in Kauai, Norbert Forms to the East

Tropics: Power Restoration Underway in Kauai, Norbert Forms to the East

The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active

11 Sep 2026 1:30 AM
Low Pressure Keeps the East Stormy into the Weekend

Low Pressure Keeps the East Stormy into the Weekend

Storms will continue to track through the Eas

11 Sep 2026 1:00 AM
NEW: 2026 Hottest U.S. Summer On Record

NEW: 2026 Hottest U.S. Summer On Record

If it felt like this summer was relentless an

11 Sep 2026 1:00 AM
High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

Temperatures not only broke records on Wednes

10 Sep 2026 11:10 AM
Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

The plains have had an active summer. Severe

10 Sep 2026 10:15 AM
Will It Ever End? Heat Wave Persists for Much of the South & Plains

Will It Ever End? Heat Wave Persists for Much of the South & Plains

A relentless ridge of high pressure has been

10 Sep 2026 10:00 AM