California Braces for Incoming Winter Storm: Key Expectations

California is bracing for an incoming winter storm that could bring substantial rain, snow, and strong winds, according to the National Weather Service. The storm is expected to create hazardous conditions, especially in regions affected by recent wildfires.

Storm Timeline and Predictions

The storm will begin impacting San Francisco and Santa Barbara counties on Monday evening. It is expected to reach Ventura and Los Angeles counties shortly after midnight.

Rainfall Expectations

• Expected rainfall rates: 0.25 to 0.5 inches per hour.
• Total rainfall: 0.75 to 1.5 inches in coastal and valley areas and 1.5 to 3 inches in mountainous regions.

Severe thunderstorms may also develop, leading to heavier downpours and increased winds. Meteorologist Ryan Kittell noted that this storm setup resembles previous storms that produced strong winds and isolated tornadoes.

Flood Watches and Evacuations

A flood watch is in effect starting at 8 p.m. on Monday for several regions, particularly those near recent burn scars from past wildfires. This includes areas affected by major fires such as the Gifford, Madre, and Palisades fires. The flood watch remains in place until 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

Evacuation Warnings

• Community evacuations have been ordered in Los Angeles for areas near the Palisades, Hurst, and Sunset fire burn scars.
• Evacuation warnings are effective from 10 p.m. Monday to 6 a.m. Wednesday.

The Los Angeles police will assist in notifying residents in high-risk areas, while augmented staffing will be present from the Los Angeles Fire Department during the storm.

High Wind Advisory and Snow Forecast

A wind advisory is active until 11 p.m. Tuesday across high desert regions, with gusts reaching 45 mph expected. In the Central Coast and Central Sierra, the heaviest precipitation is anticipated from 11 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday.

Snow Accumulation

• Snow levels predicted to drop to 6,000 feet.
• Expectations for accumulation: 4 to 8 inches at elevations between 7,000 and 8,000 feet, and 1 to 2 feet above 9,000 feet.

Rural and mountainous areas, including Camp Nelson and Yosemite Valley, will see a flood watch from 5 p.m. Monday until Tuesday afternoon. A winter storm warning is also in effect until 5 p.m. Wednesday for regions near Yosemite National Park and surrounding areas.

Future Updates

Showers may continue into Tuesday afternoon, but the most severe conditions are expected to subside by then. Cooler temperatures are forecasted to persist until Thursday, followed by a warming trend. Residents of Owens Valley should prepare for the first freeze of the fall season, with overnight temperatures dropping to between 27 and 32 degrees. A freeze watch is issued through Wednesday morning for areas including Bishop and Lone Pine.