Light rain falls across Southern California

WEATHER

Forecasters say storm system is expected to wind down by Friday afternoon

The first of two storms moved into Southern California overnight Tuesday, bringing light and steady rain to most areas. Another rainmaker is on the way. Photo by Gene Blevins

It was an umbrella day at the Ovation Hollywood near Hollywood Boulevard as intermittent rain fell Wednesday. David Crane — staff photographer

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The first of two storm systems expected to douse the Southland brought rain across most of the area overnight, raising fears of possible mud and debris flows, but forecasters said the storm was weaker than anticipated and no flooding was anticipated.

The “main part” of the storm had moved through the region by late morning Monday, according to the National Weather Service, which said “off-and-on drizzle or light rain” will be possible through today, when the next storm front moves in.

“Rain rates will remain under a tenth of an inch per hour so no flooding or debris flow concerns,” according to the NWS. “The next storm is still on track for (tonight) into Friday.”

It was not immediately clear how much rain fell overnight, although forecasters said the storm was “underperforming,” with most areas seeing only a quarter- to half-inch.

“Rainfall rates have been light enough to tamp down the fire danger but not create anything more than nuisance flooding,” according to the NWS.

Forecasters said there was still “uncertainty” about how much will fall in the second storm later this week, but most models suggest that less than an inch is anticipated in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

“The current best estimate is for around a half inch for almost the entire area with higher amounts on the coastal slopes,” according to the NWS. “There is about a 30% chance that the storm will produce 0.75 to 1.00 inches of rain with higher amounts on the coastal slopes.”

The rain is expected to wind down in the L.A. area by Friday afternoon.Due to the anticipated precipitation, Caltrans closed Pacific Coast Highway at 3 p.m. Tuesday between Chautauqua Boulevard in Los Angeles and Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu. The road is expected to remain closed until at least Friday.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the highway must be closed due to soft soils on both the hill and ocean sides of the road,” according to a statement from Caltrans. “Mud and debris flows

may occur and canyons may overtop, blocking the

road or causing further damage.”

Only essential workers — such as first responders, recovery agencies and utility companies — will be able to access PCH in the closure area, according to Caltrans.

Residents with passes still will be able to return to their homes in Pacific Palisades via Chautauqua, according to Caltrans.

PCH had just reopened Monday with one lane of traffic in both directions between Santa Monica and Malibu, a stretch that was largely closed since Jan. 7 due to the Palisades fire.

In advance of the rain, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works worked to clean drainage facilities and debris basins, install additional K-rails near homes and provide sandbags at vulnerable sites.

County storm preparedness actions included:

• Debris basin and flood control maintenance. Public works crews have been clearing storm drains, catch basins, and debris basins in vulnerable burn areas, removing over 400 cubic yards of mud and debris in Sunset Mesa alone.

• Infrastructure reinforcements. With support from the California Office of Emergency Services, the county has deployed 679 feet of K-rail and over 1,500 sandbags in key locations within the Palisades and Eaton burn areas to slow runoff and prevent dangerous debris flows.

• Beach and water quality protection. The county is actively working with beaches and harbors, the Department of Public Health, and state and federal agencies to prevent post-fire debris from polluting local beaches and coastal waters.

• Community resources and support. Free sandbags and flood risk assessments remain available to residents at designated locations, including the La Costa Post Office at 21229 PCH in Malibu.

Residents were urged to clear drainage paths around their properties, install sandbags to direct runoff away from homes, avoid travel in burn areas and mountain roads during heavy rainfall and sign up for emergency alerts at ready.lacounty.gov.

Los Angeles County experienced its first significant winter storm in late January. The L.A. Basin saw accumulations ranging from half an inch to 1.5 inches, while downtown Los Angeles recorded a total of 0.54 inches of rain.