Debris Flow Threat for Southwest California
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.
SIGNIFICANT STORM – We caught up with the @NWSLosAngeles about the strong storm bringing a threat of flooding and mud/debris flow in the recent burn areas. Here's what you need to know -> https://t.co/VZfUwhXpTs #cawx pic.twitter.com/71T65TzPIe
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) March 19, 2018
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.
RAIN INTENSITY – You might have heard us talk about rainfall rates with the US National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard during & after the catastrophic Southern California mudslides. Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo explains what they are and what role they play in forecasting. MORE -> http://bit.ly/2EQPAN3
Posted by WeatherNation on Thursday, February 8, 2018
Pre-Evacuation advisories are already in effect for some cities in and near these burn scar locations.
Santa Barbara County Issues Pre-Evacuation Advisory for Burn Areas
Unstable Storm Expected in the Area Tuesday Night Through Thursday. See full release at https://t.co/7oAZaSLclj https://t.co/x0zjHjaQha— Santa Barbara County (@countyofsb) March 18, 2018
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