2023-12-21 18:37:41
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- Low pressure will spread across California, then into Arizona through Friday.
- Flooding is possible from heavy rainfall, especially in Southern California.
- Debris flows might occur in recent burn areas and rockslides and mudslides are possible in other locations too.
A slow-moving storm will drench Southern California and Arizona with heavy rain and bring the threats of flooding and debris flows in recent burn areas, as well as rockslides and mudslides through Friday.
Here’s where the storm is now: The storm is spreading rain across parts of Southern California right now. Below is a look at the latest radar and satellite showing where the storm is producing rainfall at this time.
(15-min details: For even more granular weather data tracking in your area, view your 15-minute details forecast in our Premium Pro experience.)
It already dumped over 3 inches of rain in one hour just following midnight Thursday, triggering flooding in Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura. Later Thursday morning, a heavy band of rain parked over Santa Barbara County, flooding roads, homes and buildings in the city of Santa Barbara.
Here’s the forecast: The storm will slowly track inland across Southern California through Friday morning, then taper to showers or end by Friday night. In Arizona, rain will increase Friday morning and continue through Friday night before tapering off Saturday.
Flood alerts have been issued by the National Weather Service: Flood watches are in effect for parts of southern California, including Los Angeles through Friday morning and San Diego through Friday followingnoon. They also are in effect in southern Arizona, including the Phoenix metro area Friday and Friday night.
Rain and embedded thunderstorms might cause extensive flooding on roadways, especially in low-lying areas, the National Weather Service said. Creeks, streams and rivers will see increased flows and possible flooding, including normally dry washes and arroyos.
Debris flows are possible in recent burn areas like the South Fire burn scar in Ventura County. Rockslides and mudslides are also a possibility along canyon and mountain roads.
The threat of an isolated severe thunderstorm with hail and possibly a brief, weak tornado also cannot be ruled out in southern California and southern Arizona.
(192-hours: Further beef up your forecast with our detailed, hour-by-hour breakdown for the next 8 days – only available on our Premium Pro experience.)
Flood Alerts
(Issued by the National Weather Service.)
Here’s how much more rainfall to expect: Parts of the L.A. Basin, San Diego and southern Arizona will pick up another 1 to 2 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts where bands of rain stall for an hour or more.
If you are traveling and encounter a flooded road or underpass, do not attempt to drive through the floodwaters.
The reason this is so dangerous is that it may be hard to judge how deep the water is, or whether flooding is hiding a washed-out section of road. Flooding can also be more difficult to spot at night.
It only takes regarding 1 foot of water to float many vehicles. Once your vehicle is floating, you have no control.
(MORE: Flash Flooding Is A Sudden Danger. Here’s How To Stay Safe.)
Chris Dolce has been a senior meteorologist with weather.com for over 10 years following beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s.
The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.
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