Rain douses Southern California during new round of powerful storms this week
Rain is already falling Monday morning as a new storm moves into the Southland. This storm could be bigger than last week's weather, with more possible rain and strong winds.
Monday evening, the California Highway Patrol said there was an evacuation order for the La Conchita community in Ventura County.
The CHP closed the 101 Freeway at SR-33 near Ventura. There's an alternate route available on SR-126 to I-5. They advised against any travel to Santa Barbara.
An evacuation order was given for the Ventura Beach RV Resort, which is in effect until Tuesday at 6 p.m.
California is bracing for a new round of powerful storms, including in the Southland where residents were working to obtain sandbags.
On Monday, all of Montecito was placed under an evacuation order. There is an Evacuation Center open at the Wake Center on Turnpike Road in Santa Barbara.
Amtrak service is canceled between San Luis Obispo and LA through Tuesday due to severe weather conditions, officials said.
Officials announced Monday the Santa Barbara airport is closed due to flooding. All flights are canceled until further notice. The terminal was also closed. Questions about specific flights should go to the airline directly, airport officials tweeted.
Los Angeles County Public Works said a Yellow Alert Level will be in effect beginning at 4 p.m. on Monday until Tuesday at 6 p.m. for the Fish Fire area of Duarte. L.A. County Public Works said mudflow was forecast for the area Monday evening.
The storm is expected to move in overnight Monday, bringing between 2 to 4 inches of rain for the coastal areas and the valleys and 4 to 8 inches of rain in the foothills and the mountains.
Sunday, officials with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation said Mulholland Drive was closed between Laurel Canyon Blvd. and Coldwater Canyon Dr. due to last week's storm.
Moderate to strong winds are expected out of the south, with isolated thunderstorms on Tuesday. Snow levels will be high, above 7,500 feet.
A high-wind watch goes into effect Sunday through Tuesday for the Antelope Valley through the I-5 and back off through the central coast and mountains. A cold weather alert has been issued for the Lancaster and Mount Wilson areas and will take effect Tuesday through Thursday.
A flood watch will also go into effect late Monday through Tuesday evening for the Los Angeles County coast, mountains, downtown Los Angeles, the San Fernando, Santa Clarita, San Gabriel and Antelope valleys and inland areas including Hollywood, Compton, Long Beach, Pomona, Downey, Norwalk, East Los Angeles, Culver City, Lakewood and Beverly Hills.
It will also be in effect in Orange County's coastal areas, inland areas including Santa Ana, Anaheim, Garden Grove, Irvine, Orange, Fullerton and Mission Viejo, and the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday said 12 people have died in the state due to extreme weather. Newsom has asked the White House to declare a Presidential Emergency to free up federal funds to help the state.
The National Weather Service said the main precipitation is expected late Monday and into Tuesday.
"Heaviest rain likely Mon afternoon-Tue. Impacts include urban and small stream flooding. possible mainstem river flooding & mud and debris flows in and around recent burn areas," the NWS tweeted Sunday. The weather service also warned of gales and high surf expected over the region through Tuesday.
Gusts of up to 65 mph were predicted for the Los Angeles County mountains Sunday night, and up to 70 mph Monday. The Antelope Valley was expected to see gusts up to 60 mph Sunday night and Monday.
Temperatures will stay cool throughout the week, with highs in the lower 60s. Overnight lows will mostly be in the 40s and lower 50s, but will drop into the 30s in the mountains and high desert. Health officials did issue a cold weather alert for Lancaster and Mt. Wilson, where near-freezing or sub-freezing temperatures are expected.
"Children, the elderly and people with disabilities or special medical needs are especially vulnerable during cold weather," Los Angeles County Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis said in a statement.
"Extra precaution should be taken to ensure they don't get too cold when they are outside. There are places where people can go to stay warm, such as shelters or other public facilities. We also want to remind people not to use stoves, barbecues or ovens to heat their homes due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning."
Elsewhere, in Northern California, communities are scrambling to prepare for the storm ahead, where up to 12 inches of rain is expected.
