Heavy rain has been moving into much of California today, hitting the southern part of the state especially hard. Flooding and mudslides are a significant threat and have already been reported. Thousands are without power. Portions of the 101 Freeway have been closed in Ventura County due to mud and heavy rain.
US 101 northbound, north of Ventura (La Conchita) CLOSED, several feet of mud on freeway. @CHP_Ventura @CaltransDist7 @VENTURASHERIFF pic.twitter.com/Img1bdNF1L
— CHP Moorpark (@CHPMoorpark) February 17, 2017
Current look at mud on roads in La Conchita. Heavy rain anticipated this afternoon ☔️ 🌨 https://t.co/7Y5goEusNH. pic.twitter.com/wKbzvU5vLn
— VCFD PIO (@VCFD_PIO) February 17, 2017
101 Northbound lanes shutdown at Seacliff after debris slides down from hillside. More on #CBSLA and #KCAL9. pic.twitter.com/Y580ENPVIV
— Amy Johnson (@AmyJohnsonNews) February 17, 2017
The storm is likely to be the biggest to hit Southern California in at least 6 years, maybe longer. Rainfall totals are already over 3″ in some areas with most of the water falling since midday.
24-hour rainfall totals over the past 24 hours, for each county in our forecast area. #CAstorm #LArain #SLOweather #SBAweather #VTAweather pic.twitter.com/XSI0Q6h7qG
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) February 17, 2017
This weekend's #CAstorm may be biggest in years. Flooding, mudslides likely. Sign up for emergency alerts: https://t.co/l8tQulJjKp #LArain pic.twitter.com/i6AOZHRCs7
— LA Co Public Works (@LACoPublicWorks) February 16, 2017
Another 3″ to 6″ of rain may fall through this weekend, with higher amounts possible in the mountains. Flash Flood Watches have been extended over most of Central and Southern California.
Along with the risk of flooding and mudslides is the threat for widespread power outages. 50 to 60 mph winds may knock down trees and power poles. Travel delays are likely, both on the ground and in the air. Avoid driving on mountain roads with️ mudslides, falling rocks & boulders a concern.
#LArain This poor soul thought his car was a boat. NB 5 at Lankershim. I hope he can swim. @ABC7 @KNX1070 @NBCLA @CBSLA @KTLAnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/HWBSd7mshb
— Luevano (@Luevano1) February 17, 2017
Creeks and rivers are starting to run high as the flooding threat increases from the heavy rainfall. Storm sewers are unable to keep up with the rushing water. Flooded roadways have been reported from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles. Flooding has also been reported in interior areas from the San Fernando Valley to San Jose.
Montecito
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQn-Okfl-jc/
Mission Creek, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
Sherman Oaks
San Fernando Valley
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQoXLT9g_B-
San Jose
For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels