Heavy Rain Expected in Southern California This Weekend

Forecasters warn of possible severe storms, heavy downpours, and a slight chance of tornadoes or waterspouts.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:12pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, with a turbulent, swirling sky dominating the frame and dwarfing the small, indistinct structures below.A dramatic landscape painting captures the awe-inspiring power of an approaching storm system in Southern California.Los Angeles Today

Southern California is bracing for a pair of storm systems that are expected to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and even the potential for small tornadoes or waterspouts this weekend. The first system on Friday and Saturday will have minimal impact, but the second, more powerful system on Saturday night into Sunday morning could produce steady rain, heavy downpours, gusty winds, and lightning.

Why it matters

Heavy rain and severe weather can lead to flash flooding, power outages, and dangerous travel conditions in the region. Residents and local authorities will need to monitor the forecasts closely and be prepared to take appropriate safety precautions.

The details

Forecasters say the second storm system could bring a 3- to 5-hour period of steady rain overnight into Sunday morning, with rainfall rates potentially reaching up to three-quarters of an inch per hour in the strongest cells. Total rainfall amounts are expected to range from about half an inch to 1 inch. The main front is expected to move through Southern California between early morning and mid-morning on Sunday, with lingering showers possible into Sunday night and early Monday.

  • The first storm system is expected to arrive late Friday into Saturday.
  • The second, stronger storm system is expected late Saturday into Sunday morning.
  • The main front is expected to move through Southern California between early morning and mid-morning on Sunday.
  • Lingering showers are possible into Sunday night and early Monday.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings and advisories.

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What they’re saying

“'The first system for late Friday into Saturday will have minimal impact as the upper low remains mostly over Northern California.'”

— National Weather Service

“Rainfall totals are forecast to range from about one-half inch to 1 inch, and rainfall rates could reach about a quarter- to half-inch per hour, with brief, isolated bursts up to three-quarters of an inch per hour in the strongest cells, forecasters said.”

— National Weather Service

What’s next

Residents in Southern California should monitor the weather forecasts closely over the next few days and be prepared to take appropriate safety precautions if severe weather conditions develop.

The takeaway

This weekend's storms highlight the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events in Southern California, which can bring heavy rain, flooding, and the potential for tornadoes or waterspouts. Local authorities and residents will need to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure public safety.