Flash flood watches issued for most of Southern California as storm approaches

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for much of Southern California as a storm capable of producing significant rainfall approaches.

The NWS in Los Angeles has issued Flash Flood Watches for most of Los Angeles County, both inland and along the coast. Areas previously burned by wildfires are at highest risk of flash floods, NWS officials said. The Antelope Valley is mostly spared from flood risks, but is included in a wind advisory that extends to the Kern County line.

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The same Flash Flood Watch issued by NWS in L.A. also includes much of Ventura County, with parts of northern Santa Barbara County also affected. L.A. County’s Flash Flood Watch is expected to remain in place until Tuesday afternoon.

L.A. County residents were urged to sign up for emergency notifications online.

Meanwhile, the NWS in San Diego, which has a service area that includes Orange County and much of the Inland Empire, has issued Flash Flood Watches for inland Orange County, and the mountain regions of San Bernardino County, including Crestline, Big Bear Lake and Wrightwood.

“Flash flooding and debris flows caused by excessive rainfall are possible over the Bridge, Line, Apple, El Dorado and Airport burn scars,” San Bernardino County officials wrote on social media. “Heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding of low-lying areas.”

Residents near those burn scars are urged to prepare for potential flooding impacts and track the latest updates from local authorities.

This upcoming Southern California storm is expected to make its first impact Monday evening with potential showers in the Los Angeles basin and winds reaching 35 to 55 mph. By Tuesday, the storm is projected to bring its heaviest showers in the morning and afternoon.

The highest rainfall totals can likely be expected in the mountain regions with potential snow accumulation.