Sudden Showers and Hail Pound San Fernando Valley

Intense bursts of rain, lightning, and gusty winds hit the region on Monday afternoon.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:04pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and green, with a dramatic, turbulent sky filled with swirling clouds and heavy rain obscuring the distant mountains, conveying the overwhelming power of nature.A sudden, intense storm system overwhelms the San Fernando Valley, showcasing the region's vulnerability to unpredictable and potentially disruptive weather events.Los Angeles Today

The San Fernando Valley experienced a sudden and intense burst of stormy weather on Monday afternoon, with heavy rain, hail, and lightning strikes reported across the region. The National Weather Service said the storms brought close to an inch of rain per hour in some areas, along with winds gusting up to 50 mph and the potential for up to 6 inches of snow in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains.

Why it matters

Unexpected severe weather events like this can cause flash flooding, power outages, and dangerous driving conditions, disrupting daily life for residents and businesses in the affected areas. The San Fernando Valley is a densely populated region, so these types of sudden storms can have significant impacts on the local community.

The details

The stormy weather began after noon, with heavier rain falling across the Valley from Stonehurst and Sun Valley to Van Nuys and Panorama City. In some locations, the rain rate reached close to an inch per hour. Lighter showers were also reported in nearby areas like Moorpark and Simi Valley, and the storm cell continued moving east into Glendale and Burbank, where lightning strikes were observed.

  • The stormy weather began after 12 PM on Monday, April 13, 2026.
  • The heaviest rain and hail fell across the San Fernando Valley between 12 PM and 3 PM.

The players

National Weather Service

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

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What they’re saying

“Scattered rain and mountain snow showers were expected through Monday afternoon in Los Angeles County. A very cold, for mid-April, upper low-pressure system hangs nearby to the north, bringing the brief downpours.”

— National Weather Service, Forecasters

What’s next

The National Weather Service said sporadic storms were expected to remain possible into early evening Monday, with a winter weather advisory in effect until 7 PM for areas including the San Gabriel Mountains and nearby freeway corridors.

The takeaway

This sudden and intense burst of stormy weather serves as a reminder that even in the spring, the San Fernando Valley can experience unpredictable and potentially disruptive weather events that require residents to stay alert and prepared.