News Summary
Southern California is preparing for significant rainfall and potential flooding as the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario impact the region. Precautionary flood watches are in effect as weather experts predict thunderstorms and heavy downpours, particularly in areas like San Bernardino County, which has already experienced mudslides. Residents are advised to stay alert as moisture levels rise and unpredictable weather patterns are expected in the coming days.
Southern California Braces for Heavy Rain and Flooding from Tropical Storm Mario
As residents of Southern California prepare for the weather, it’s hard to ignore the significant impact of the recent storm system. The area is currently experiencing widespread rainfall stemming from the remnants of a strong tropical storm that has now dissipated. By Thursday morning, many locations in Southern California were recording varying amounts of rainfall, mostly on the lighter side, yet precautionary flooding warnings were put into effect.
Flood Watch Through Early Friday
A flood watch is in effect for much of the region and continues through early Friday. Meteorologists are on high alert as Rich Thompson from the National Weather Service in Oxnard has indicated the possibility of heavier showers and thunderstorms developing throughout the day. The forecast is prompting both excitement and caution among residents, as they seek to enjoy the wet weather while remaining aware of potential hazards.
Heavy Rain Hits San Bernardino County
San Bernardino County was among the areas experiencing some of the heaviest rainfall, leading to multiple mudslides that have trapped motorists on Route 38 in Big Bear. The heavy rains have also caused downed power lines in Oak Glen. Such incidents remind locals that even minor storms can lead to serious challenges and safety concerns.
Unusual September Storms
Wet storms during September are a rarity in the region, but they can occasionally occur when tropical systems push north from the eastern Pacific. With the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario making its way northward, humidity levels have surged, increasing the chances of thunderstorms later in the day. Most populated areas—including Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Ventura counties—are predicted to receive between a quarter- to a half-inch of rainfall. However, some mountain and desert areas could witness up to an inch of rain, and a few isolated locations might even see totals climbing to 2 inches.
Thunderstorm Warning and Safety Alerts
A potential storm could bring not just rain, but also dangerous lightning, gusty winds, and heavy downpours, leading to further localized flooding. The National Weather Service has reported significant rainfall rates that may exceed 0.50 inches per hour in some areas. Residents should remain vigilant, especially those in regions recently affected by wildfires, as mud and debris flows may occur.
Rescue Operations in Full Swing
The flood advisory issued for San Bernardino County notes that communities like Twentynine Palms and the Yucca and Morongo valleys could be vulnerable to flooding, having already received notable rainfall. Already, flooding along State Route 38 temporarily trapped dozens of motorists, causing road closures in both directions as heavy debris flows continued. Fortunately, rescue operations are underway in affected areas such as Forest Falls and Oak Glen, where residents are being assisted after being impacted by mudslides.
Looking Ahead: More Rain Expected
The flooding concerns are not limited to just a few areas; they are stretching further north into Friday, affecting parts of the Central Valley, Sierra Nevada, and adjacent foothills. However, despite the increase in rainfall, experts are noting that it is unlikely to significantly alleviate the severe drought conditions that have plagued Southwestern California since March. Fire officials remain cautious, reiterating that the current precipitation falls short of what is needed to effectively curb wildfire risks in the region.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
Reports from early Thursday show varying amounts of rainfall, with downtown Los Angeles and the UCLA area recording around a tenth of an inch, and Riverside at three-tenths of an inch. Atmospheric moisture is what sets this storm apart, resembling conditions often seen in more humid locations like Key West. As the day progresses, Southern California residents can expect to feel a bit muggy with off-and-on showers and perhaps even isolated thunderstorms continuing through the evening.
Potential For Future Storms
Looking ahead, the forecast suggests another round of potential tropical weather could hit next week, though details are still uncertain. Long-range forecasts are also hinting at above-average rainfall in the near future, but with a La Niña phenomenon on the horizon, there are concerns it could usher in a return to drought conditions by December, impacting the region’s water supply.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Southern California Storms
- Wikipedia: Weather in California
- Modesto Bee: California Weather News
- Google Search: California Weather News
- Daily Breeze: Flood Watch in Los Angeles County
- Google Scholar: California Floods and Weather
- Desert Sun: Tropical Storm Mario Rainfall
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California Weather
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
