LOS ANGELES (RTW News) — Heavy rains have inundated parts of Southern California, prompting flash flood warnings from the National Weather Service following a sequence of storms that have delivered almost unprecedented amounts of rainfall this November.
Residents were cautioned before dawn on Friday about the dangers of potential flash flooding in streets, creeks, and streams across Los Angeles and Orange counties, particularly in the coastal areas like Huntington Beach where rain cascaded through streets resembling rivers.
The latest flash flood warnings encompass regions from downtown Los Angeles to Mission Viejo in Orange County, where vehicles have been reported stranded in floodwaters near Culver City. This month, downtown Los Angeles has recorded approximately 3.5 inches (about 8.9 centimeters) of rain compared to the typical 0.78 inches (2 centimeters) expected during November.
Since November 13, a series of storms have unleashed a torrential downpour, making already waterlogged areas more susceptible to flooding. Some parts of the Santa Ynez Mountains have recorded over 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rain just in November, contributing to the challenging conditions.
The weather service extended warnings across a broad area, highlighting the features of an ongoing moisture-laden atmospheric river that has already claimed at least six lives due to related extreme weather events earlier this month. Residents are urged to remain vigilant due to the ongoing threat of mudslides in regions scarred by recent wildfires.
