California, already soaked over the holidays, is forecast to see additional rain, gusty winds, and a moderate risk of flooding this weekend as a new storm system moves through the state, the National Weather Service (NWS) reported.
Rain returned Friday in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties after spreading south. These areas recorded light precipitation Friday morning, with more rain expected to push farther down the state later in the day — reaching Ventura by 4 p.m. and Los Angeles by 10 p.m.
The NWS noted that small streams and recent burn scars could be vulnerable to flash flooding. A flash flood watch may be issued for those areas as storm conditions unfold.
The storm is forecast to linger through Monday, with the heaviest rainfall expected between 3 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. During those peak periods, rain rates are expected to reach 0.25 to 0.5 inches per hour. Total accumulations could reach 1 to 3 inches at low elevations and 3 to 6 inches in the mountains and foothills. Wind gusts of 20 to 40 mph are also likely, raising the threat of downed branches and travel disruptions.
Due to elevated flood and debris flow risks, the NWS cautions residents to avoid rivers, creeks, canyon roads, and mountain routes, especially for campers and drivers in remote areas.
In Southern California, rain is expected to hold off in San Diego until Saturday night, but even then amounts will be minor (less than 0.1 inches).
Northern California is not spared. San Francisco is forecast to see rain after 4 p.m. Friday, with overnight totals between 0.25 to 0.5 inches and continued rainfall into Monday.
Recent totals from the ongoing storm system show significant amounts already fell across the region:
- Los Angeles County: nearly 2 inches in East Pasadena, downtown LA, and Hollywood; over 5 inches at Crystal Lake
- Ventura County: nearly 2 inches in Thousand Oaks, Piru, and Rocky Peak; nearly 4 inches at Old Man Mountain
- Orange County: around 2 inches in most reporting areas
With soils saturated and waterways rising, state and local authorities urge caution as another round of wet weather arrives.
