Heavy showers saturate Los Angeles after a prolonged dry spell. Has the rainfall effectively mitigated the threat of wildfires?
Heavy Rainfall Hits Southern California, Causing Flooding and Mudslides
Southern California is currently experiencing a significant bout of rainfall, with some areas forecast to receive up to 2 inches locally. This deluge, caused by the remnants of former Tropical Storm Mario, has resulted in flooding and mudslides in various parts of the region.
The weather service has issued a flood watch for the Santa Monica Mountains and much of inland Southern California, extending further north into Friday. Areas like the Central Valley, Sierra Nevada, and its surrounding foothills are also under a flood watch.
By Thursday morning, some areas had already recorded measurable rainfall. Carlsbad and Chula Vista received almost a quarter-inch, while San Diego International Airport and Coronado saw almost a half-inch. Riverside had seen three-tenths of an inch. Early Thursday morning, some areas had already recorded around a tenth of an inch of rain, according to the National Weather Service.
The most significant rainfall and strongest storms are forecast for Thursday. Atmospheric moisture readings from San Diego almost mirrored those from Key West on Thursday - or about 200% of normal for Southern California.
The widespread rains on Thursday, while welcome, are unlikely to pull southwestern California out of "severe drought" conditions, which the region has remained in since March, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
The heavy rainfall has caused numerous incidents of minor flooding and accidents on State Route 62. Search and rescue crews were dispatched to the communities of Forest Falls and Oak Glen to assist residents trapped by the slides. Heavy debris flows have been reported in the town of Oak Glen, knocking over power lines and slamming into vehicles. Officials issued a more elevated flood advisory in San Bernardino County, warning of flooding in Twentynine Palms and the Yucca and Morongo valleys.
Despite the widespread rains on Thursday, it's likely not enough to eliminate the threat of another punishing wildfire season. Forecasters are expecting a La Niña cycle to emerge soon and remain in place through December, a shift in climate patterns that historically swings the state toward drought, especially in Southern California.
Long-range forecasts predict that Southern California could remain in an above-average rainfall pattern for the next week, but it likely won't last. Downtown Los Angeles hasn't had any measurable rainfall since early May, according to the National Weather Service.
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As the day progresses, these totals are likely to increase. Residents are advised to stay alert, avoid driving during heavy rain, and follow the guidance of local authorities.
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