A late March storm is bringing a significant amount of rain to Southern California Monday.
Heavy downpours and small hail are possible with a threat of thunderstorms continuing through Monday night, according to the National Weather Service.
Rainfall amounts will range between 1 to 2 inches for most coastal and valley locations. Forecasters are calling for between 2 to 4 inches, with some local amounts to 5 inches, in the foothills and mountains.
Brief heavy downpours could bring minor flooding, and the potential for mud and debris flows near our recent burn scar areas. Officials are warning drivers to be prepared for traffic delays during the Monday morning commute.
Mandatory evacuations
A mandatory evacuation order was issued for Silverado Canyon, Williams Canyon and Modjeska in the Bond Fire burn area due to possible debris flows along or near the burn scar, officials posted on the Orange County website.
Hard road closures will be in effect at 12 p.m. and access in and out of the canyons will be restricted, according to the post.
Anyone with questions was asked to contact the County of Orange Emergency Hotline at 714-628-7085.
Theme parks closed
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia has closed its park Monday due to the inclement weather, according to the amusement park’s Twitter feed.
Tickets purchased for Monday will be valid for any other regular operating day in 2022, according to the post.
Knott’s Berry Farm also announced it will be closing early because of the rain. The Buena Park location will close at 5 p.m., but the California Marketplace will remain open, officials said.
Winter storm warnings
Winter storm warnings have been issued through Tuesday morning for some of the higher elevations across the Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino and Riverside county mountains.
Snow is expected down to about the 6,000-foot level, with accumulations of about 6 to 12 inches. Up to 18 inches of snow could fall above 7,500 feet, according to the Weather Service.
Wind advisories
Widespread wind gusts will also be associated with this early spring storm.
Wind advisories have been issued through Monday afternoon for parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Forecasters are calling for widespread winds between 15 and 35 mph. The strongest gusts of up to 65 mph are expected across some of the higher mountain areas.
Drier conditions are expected the remainder of the week, with near normal temperatures.