Rain is expected to start falling on Southern California late Wednesday night in what might be one of the biggest waves of precipitation the region has seen in some time. National Weather Service predictions are estimating there may be more than two inches of rain in some places by the time the storm passes. So far this year, we’ve logged about five inches total.
It's already raining across #SanLuisObispo and #SantaBarbara Counties, but the peak rainfall timing is – SLO Co: 4pm – midnight, SBA Co: 9pm – 4am Thu, VTA Co: Midnight – 6am Thu, and LA Co: 4am – 10am Thu.
Storm totals remain on-track (image). #LArain #CAwx #CAstorm pic.twitter.com/WNufTIzNTB
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) November 28, 2018
While the moisture may be welcome in many parched portions of the region, it raises concerns for the areas that have just been affected by the Woolsey Fire. In January, heavy rain lead to flooding and devastating mudslides, including those in the Santa Barbara County community of Montecito, on ground which burned during the Thomas Fire.
The city of Malibu released a statement regarding the forecast warning residents of the risk posed by this rain. “All Malibu residents are urged to prepare for potential flooding, mudslides, power outages and evacuations,” it read.
Evacuation orders have also been issued for portions of Orange County and Riverside County. In the Lake Elsinore area, the previously voluntary order was upgraded to mandatory status late Wednesday afternoon.
For those outside of the most vulnerable areas, however, the precipitation may be something to look forward to. Ski areas like Mammoth and Big Bear are predicting that what we experience as rain here in L.A. will translate to as much as five feet of snow at higher elevations.
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