The Pineapple Express storm hitting Southern California could bring heavy rain and strong winds throughout Christmas week, potentially causing mudslides, downed trees and flooding not only on highways but also on homes and businesses.
If forecasts are correct, this could be one of the stormiest Christmases in recent memory for Southern California. There is an 80% chance the city of Los Angeles will receive 2 inches or more of rain from Tuesday through Christmas Day. The last time the city received 2 inches or more of rain on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was in 1971.
Here’s what you need to know.
Time
The height of the system is expected Tuesday through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
There is an 80% to 100% chance of rain in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties from Tuesday night through Wednesday and Thursday.
Rainy season for Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
(National Weather Service)
In Orange County, the Inland Empire and San Diego County, light showers are possible Tuesday, but the heaviest rain is expected Wednesday, when officials warn of heavy rain, increased flood risks and possible mudslides. Flood and mudslide hazards will continue on Thursday.
Expected effects of the storm in Orange County, Inland Empire and San Diego County.
(National Weather Service)
It’s a very bad situation
Forecasters warn of a 40% chance of “very high” rainfall amounts in Los Angeles, Ventura and southern Santa Barbara counties, and a 30% chance of the same in northern Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County.
That situation will see 4 inches of rain or more along the coast and valleys, with 8 inches or more in the mountains and mountains, Tuesday through Thursday. Maximum rainfall amounts will be 1/2 inch to 1 inch per hour.
According to the National Weather Service, that can cause:
• Significant mudslides
• Highways flooded
• Rivers and rivers that overflow their banks
• Localized flooding that may rise above roads and into homes and businesses
• Moderate coastal flooding in south-facing areas
• Downed trees and power lines
• Hazardous sea conditions
• Swiftwater Rescue
Chance of rain in Los Angeles, Ventura and southern Santa Barbara counties.
(National Weather Service)
Between Tuesday and Thursday, many areas have a high chance of seeing 3 inches or more of rain. There is a 77% chance of that happening in Anaheim and Yorba Linda, a 74% chance in Santa Ana, a 73% chance in Ontario, a 71% chance in Mission Viejo, a 69% chance in Irvine, a 68% chance in Chino, a 65% chance in Laguna Niguel and a 60% chance in San Clemente.
Chance of rain in northern Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County.
(National Weather Service)
‘Maximum values’ of precipitation
There is also a 40% chance of “high amounts” of rain in LA, Ventura and southern Santa Barbara counties, and a similar 50% chance in northern Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. That situation could include 2 to 4 inches of rain along the coast and valleys, with 4 to 8 inches in the mountains and mountains.
Rain at that rate would put highway lanes at risk of flooding; causing minor coastal flooding, mudslides and debris flows; and to enforce rapid water conservation in fast-moving rivers and streams.
The wind
Storms are possible from the south, said Robbie Munroe, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office, which issues forecasts for LA, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
That poses a risk of downing trees and power lines. Tuesday night, Los Angeles could see gusts as high as 31 mph; Woodland Hills, 38 mph; Paso Robles, 52 mph; and San Luis Obispo, 53 mph.
“Avoid parking under trees,” the weatherman said. “Protect open external objects.”
There is a 65% chance of gusts over 35 mph in Huntington Beach, a 60% chance in San Diego, a 45% chance in Big Bear Lake and Ramona, a 40% chance in Escondido and a 35% chance in Riverside, according to the San Diego weather service office.
