Yet another “strong Pacific storm” is expected to hit Southern California Monday and is forecast to bring gusty winds, potential flooding and hazardous driving conditions, the National Weather Service says.
The latest weather is a part of the same system that left as many as 300,000 people in Sacramento and surrounding counties without power Saturday night into Sunday morning.
The heaviest rains are likely Monday afternoon through Tuesday and could cause mud and debris flows in and around recent burn scar areas, as well as downed trees and power lines, NWS said.
Rain totals for the first two days of the week are expected to be 2-5 inches on the coasts and in the valleys. Mountain and foothill communities may see as much as 5-9 inches of rain.
The weather service has also issued a flood watch for Orange County, the Inland Empire and San Bernardino and Riverside County Mountains.
Officials in Santa Barbara have issued evacuation warnings for some areas in the southern part of the county that were affected by the Alisal, Cave and Thomas fires due to concerns that heavy rains could cause potential flooding and debris flows.
As for snowfall, the National Weather Service said any significant accumulation would be above 7,500 feet.
The NWS also expects strong southerly winds, with gusts in the central coast hitting 50-60 miles per hour and gusts as powerful as 60-70 miles per hour in the mountains.
Experts are warning of more dangerously high surf which led to closed beaches, ongoing warnings and advisories, and damaged piers along the California coast from last week’s bomb cyclone.
In Ventura Harbor, crews were working to clear docks that had been broken apart after big swells sent waves into surrounding channels, leading to some $200,000 worth of damage.
“Gales and high surf expected over the region through Tuesday, conditions peaking Monday into Tuesday,” the NWS reports. “Dangerous seas can be expected. Large, breaking waves will affect the coast, highest on west-facing beaches. Strong rip currents expected.”
Both mariners and beachgoers are encouraged to always use caution.
Commuters should be aware of hazardous driving conditions, such as flooded roadways and reduced visibility, especially during thunderstorms.
Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday submitted a request to the White House for a “Presidential Emergency Declaration” in hopes of getting more resources to support storm response and recovery efforts.
“If approved, the declaration will activate the full weight of the federal government behind California’s storm response and allow the state to immediately access federal resources and personnel,” a statement from the Governor’s Office stated.
The governor’s statewide declaration of emergency continues to be in effect.