Tropical storm residue heads towards Southern California, foreboding heavy downpours and potential flooding.
Headline: Tropical Storm Lorena and Potential New System to Bring Wet Weather and Flood Risks to Southern California
Southern California is bracing for another round of wet weather as Tropical Storm Lorena, currently a hurricane with wind speeds of 131 to 157 km/h, moves towards the mainland Mexico. The storm, which has brought heavy rain to Baja California, is expected to cross the Baja California peninsula and potentially cause heavy rain and storms in southern USA regions nearby.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of the potential for fires from dry-lightning strikes or flash flooding and debris flows. The NWS has issued a flood watch for much of Southern California from Thursday morning until Friday morning, with localized flooding and debris flows most likely on Thursday.
Southern California will experience Florida-like humidity and thunderstorms from Tropical Storm Lorena until Friday. The weather pattern will make it feel "warm and muggy" across Southern California, similar to Florida weather. Stronger storms could bring powerful isolated winds, and the forecast storms are likely to include more moisture on Thursday and Friday.
Up to a half-inch of rain is expected in most areas, but some locations could see more. The Gifford fire, the state's largest this year at 131,000 acres, is now considered 98% contained, but dry lightning strikes are a concern. The system moving over the footprint of the Gifford fire is bringing mostly dry lightning.
Forecasters expect most of Los Angeles and Ventura counties to get a half-inch of rain between Wednesday and Friday, with mountain areas seeing around an inch at most. Flash flooding is possible when rainfall rates exceed half an inch per hour.
The weather conditions could potentially include thunderstorms, heat, fire weather, and winds. The NWS is also monitoring another potential tropical system, which could bring renewed wet weather to California on Sunday and Monday. The forecast suggests a continuation of California's extreme weather patterns.
Residents are advised to stay informed and heed any warnings or evacuation orders issued by local authorities. It's crucial to prepare for potential flooding and debris flows by securing outdoor furniture and other items that could be moved by heavy rain, and creating an emergency plan with family members.
Stay safe, Southern California! We'll keep you updated on the latest weather developments.
