Rain Expected Across Southern California with Flooding and Beach Hazards
Rainfall is forecast for Southern California from Wednesday into Thursday, with the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing warnings about possible thunderstorms and beach hazards from Oxnard down to the Mexico border.
Weather Forecast
The Los Angeles-Oxnard NWS office predicts a 30% to 40% chance of thunderstorms. Concerns include minor flooding and debris flow, particularly in L.A. and Ventura counties. Despite these warnings, most areas will likely face only minor weather impacts.
Flood Risks
The Santa Monica Mountains are at higher risk for flooding, according to NWS representatives. Areas with first-year burn scars, like Palisades and Altadena, could be more vulnerable due to recent wildfires.
Expected Rainfall
- Thousand Oaks: 1.73 inches
- Oxnard: 1.53 inches
- Santa Clarita: 1.47 inches
- LAX: 1.31 inches
- Covina: 1.29 inches
- Long Beach: just under 1 inch
These forecasts cover the period from Wednesday to Thursday.
Beach Hazards
Beaches in L.A. County and the Oxnard region are expected to experience surf ranging from 3 to 6 feet through Thursday night, particularly on south- and southwest-facing beaches. Tides are predicted to range between 5.5 and 6.2 feet.
The NWS office in San Diego, responsible for monitoring Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, and San Diego counties, issued a beach hazard warning on Tuesday. This notice, effective until 11 p.m., alerts the public about hazardous rip currents and breaking waves, with surf also expected between 3 to 6 feet.
“Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea, while waves can wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore,” warns the weather service.
Swimmers are advised to stay out of the water due to the dangerous conditions.
Rain and Thunderstorm Chances
The probability of rain on Wednesday morning and afternoon varies: 53% in Irvine and Anaheim, 46% in San Clemente, 44% in Ontario, and 40% in Riverside. However, chances increase on Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, with 95% in Anaheim, Irvine, and San Clemente, 92% in Ontario, 91% in Riverside and Lake Elsinore, and 88% in San Bernardino.
The San Diego NWS office warns of a 15% to 25% chance of thunderstorms, indicating a moderate risk across all four counties.