Damaging Winds and Rain Batter the West as Winter Storm Approaches the North

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Heavy thunderstorms in Southern California have brought 1 to 3 inches of rain, causing flooding, downed trees, and roof damage from wind gusts up to 81 mph. Meanwhile, the Sierra Nevada region is experiencing heavy snow, strong winds, and avalanche dangers, forcing the closure of mountain roads and ski lodges. As the West deals with these impacts, a winter storm is approaching the North, putting millions on alert.

Why it matters

The severe weather in California and the Sierra Nevada highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events driven by climate change. These storms can cause significant disruptions to infrastructure, transportation, and daily life, underscoring the need for communities to be prepared and resilient in the face of such challenges.

The details

The heavy rain in Southern California flooded businesses, stranded drivers, and caused a massive tree to fall on a car. A flood watch remains in effect for the Santa Barbara and Los Angeles areas due to the risk of flash flooding, debris flows, and mudslides. Two more rounds of rain are expected this week, though they will be less impactful than Monday's event. In the Sierra Nevada, the heavy snow, strong winds, and avalanche dangers have forced the closure of mountain roads and ski lodges.

• The heavy thunderstorms in Southern California brought 1 to 3 inches of rain on Monday.
• The highest wind gust reported was 81 mph in the hills above Malibu on Monday.
• A flood watch is in effect for the Santa Barbara and Los Angeles areas again on Tuesday night.
• The first of two more rounds of rain is forecast to arrive in Southern California on Tuesday evening and continue overnight.
• The second round of rain is expected to arrive in Southern California on Thursday morning to early afternoon.

What’s next

As the winter storm approaches the North, communities in the region will need to closely monitor weather forecasts and prepare for potential impacts such as power outages, transportation disruptions, and the need for emergency shelters.