Don’t be fooled by the warm weather of the weekend. The forecaster is forecasting a moderate to heavy rainy front in Southern California, so rain jackets are needed again. The storm is expected to soak San Diego County Monday night. Then, a river storm in the air poses a threat to burn scar areas before it immerses in the LA area mid-week.
According to the National Weather Service, residents in the Los Angeles area should still have clear skies on Monday, but there is a 50% chance of a low ’60s temperature and a shower on Tuesday.
The Ati River is expected to arrive early Wednesday, bringing heavy rainfall along California coasts through Thursday, with a major impact on mountainous regions moving eastward towards the weekend.
The rain first hit San Diego County Monday night, potentially causing road ponds, leading to dangerous driving conditions and minor flooding in urban areas. Orange County and the Inland Empire are expected to receive less than an inch of rain from Monday night to Tuesday. The Southern California desert will also likely rain less than a tenth of an inch, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters say the second system, the Atmospheric River, will follow, moving through the coastal basin, bringing about an inch of rain.
The heaviest downpours are expected to occur in mountainous areas from Wednesday afternoon to early Thursday, with roads, flash floods, landslides and debris flowing near recent burns.
A medium to strong winter storm could result in periods of moderate to heavy rain and mountain snow in southwestern California from Wednesday through Thursday. Travel may be delayed or dangerous due to rain, snow in the mountains and gusts of wind. #Laweather #larain pic.twitter.com/23mpig6cr
– NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLOSANGELES) March 9, 2025
Here’s how Atmosphere Rivers affect Southern California’s coastal, valleys and mountainous regions:
Coastal and Valley Communities
Coastal and Valley and Valley communities can expect 1-2 inches of rain between Wednesday and Thursday.
During this time, thunderstorms are 10% to 20%, and with recent burns there are heavy torrential rains that can cause significant road flooding or debris flow.
It also has the potential to have peak gusts of winds of 30-50 mph, which can probably cause fallen tree branches and power outages.
If a power outage occurs:
I’m at home. Street lights may be coming out and debris may be flying. I avoid opening the fridge or freezer. Food is safe for up to 4 hours without electricity. It’s not a light candle. It is a fire hazard. Instead, use a battery-powered flashlight. Exclude electronic devices and appliances that are not connected to the surge protector. If possible, use your phone and laptop to save emergency batteries.
Mountain and desert regions
Mountainous residents can expect 2-4 inches of rainfall and 1 inch of desert areas, as well as heavy snow in some places.
Mountains are likely to have rainfall, meaning that significant floods and debris flow near recent burns. Potentially at risk include areas burned in the fires of Palisade, Hearst, Kenneth, Sunset and Eaton.
According to the National Weather Service, rainfall, snow in the mountains and gusts of winds can make travel delayed or dangerous in certain areas.
If you have to drive in the rain, Los Angeles emergency management officials advise:
Slow down. Leave enough distance between the cars on the road and the other cars. Do not drive in areas that are prone to flooding. Do not bypass street barriers. They don’t try to run through flooded roads or streams.
Snow level
Forecasters predicted snow in the mountainous regions at elevations of 3,000 to 4,000 feet on Wednesday, potentially dropping to 2,500 feet on Thursday.
The mountains of San Bernardino and Riverside County were able to see approximately 6,000 feet of elevation and 6,500 feet of snow in the San Diego County Mountains.
Heavy snow and strong winds are gusts of 40-60 mph, which will likely have a major impact on Sierra Nevada and Northern California.
Some highways may be affected by snow from Wednesday night to Friday morning, especially from Wednesday night to Thursday morning. They are:
Five highways near Tejon Pass Highway 14, passing through Antelope Valley Foothills, north of the Ojaipper section of Highway 154 in Santa Barbara County.
If you have to drive in the snow, Caltrans is a good idea to prepare.
Before leaving your residence or workplace, check the condition of the road, including chain controls and road closures. You can do so by looking at Caltrans quick maps online. Make sure you have a full tank of gas. You may need to spend some extra time redirecting or returning during a bad storm to reach your destination. Travel time may take longer if there are storms or ice conditions.
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