A new storm system is making its way into Southern California this Wednesday, bringing with it a forecast for moderate rain. According to the National Weather Service’s Los Angeles-Oxnard office, residents can expect precipitation to fall from Wednesday late morning through Thursday afternoon.
The weather service also noted a 30% to 40% chance of thunderstorms accompanying this system. While most areas are predicted to see only minor impacts, there are concerns about widespread minor flooding and debris flow, particularly in L.A. and Ventura counties. A spokesperson for the weather service highlighted the Santa Monica Mountains as the area facing the highest risk for potential flooding from this storm.
For those wondering how wet their Wednesday might be, the chance of rain during the morning and afternoon varies across the region. Irvine and Anaheim are looking at about a 53% chance of precipitation, with San Clemente slightly lower at 46%. Further inland, Ontario residents have a 44% chance, and Riverside sits at 40%.
The likelihood of rain is set to increase significantly as Wednesday evening transitions into Thursday morning. Anaheim, Irvine, and San Clemente are expected to see a 95% chance of precipitation. Ontario also nears certainty with a 92% chance, while Riverside and Lake Elsinore are at 91%. San Bernardino is not far behind, with an 88% chance of rain during this period.
Beyond the rainfall, coastal areas are also preparing for the storm's effects. Beaches within the L.A. County and Oxnard region can anticipate surf ranging from 3 to 6 feet through Thursday night. This higher surf is particularly expected on south- and southwest-facing beaches, with tides forecast to fluctuate between 5.5 and 6.2 feet.
Further south, the National Weather Service’s San Diego office, which covers Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego counties, issued a specific beach hazard warning. This warning, put out Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. and in effect until 11 p.m., cautions against dangerous rip currents and breaking waves. Similar to the L.A. area, surf in these southern counties is expected to be between 3 and 6 feet, with the highest waves hitting south- and southwest-facing beaches.
The agency emphasized the dangers associated with these coastal conditions, warning that rip currents possess the strength to pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Additionally, waves could potentially wash individuals off beaches and rocks, and even capsize small boats operating near the shore. In light of these hazards, the weather service explicitly advised swimmers to “remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.”
As the storm progresses, residents across Southern California are encouraged to stay informed about local conditions, particularly those near flood-prone areas or planning any coastal activities. The moderate rain and coastal advisories are expected to persist into Thursday afternoon, prompting a bit of extra caution for the mid-week.
