One storm moves out, another storm moves in for New Year’s Weekend, 2022, as captured by contributing photographer David Okun. (David Okun, Photo)NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Mudslides, debris flows and flooding were the stories of the day Thursday after heavy rains struck the southland overnight. A Flash Flood watch remained in effect across Southern California, including Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Orange County, San Bernadino County Mountains, Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills. Rain from 1 inch to 2.5 inches was expected in the mountains and foothills, with heavy snow expected over 5,000 feet. Wednesday’s mandatory evacuation order in Orange County was downgraded to a voluntary evacuation warning in the Silverado, Williams and Modjeska Canyon as of 10 a.m. Thursday. Find out what’s happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.Let’s go!Soft road closures were to be expected at canyon entrances, and many roadways were open to residents only, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department advised. The NWS issued a flash flood watch for Orange County coastal and inland areas and the Santa Ana Mountains, including the Bond Fire burn area. The flash flood watch will be in effect through Thursday afternoon, though the evacuation warning was downgraded to an evacuation watch as of 10 a.m.Find out what’s happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Marwith free, real-time updates from Patch.Let’s go!”Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” according to the NWS. “Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Flash flooding and debris flows are possible, especially near recent burn scars.” NWS forecasters for Orange County said the area could receive up to 2.5 inches of rain along the coast and as much as 6 inches in the mountains below 5,000 feet. An hourly rainfall amount of 0.6 to 0.7 inches is possible.A flash flood watch will continue through Thursday afternoon for Los Angeles County burn areas from the Lake, Bobcat, Dam and Ranch 2 fires. Forecasters said the areas could experience”several hours of moderate to heavy rain … which could lead to flash flooding and debris flows.”Across the Southland, a messy morning commute was, fortunately, light due to the upcoming New Year’s holiday weekend. Downpours along the coast continued throughout the morning, though rain was anticipated to taper off in the afternoon, giving way to a dry but cool weekend. A winter storm warning would remain in effect until 8 p.m. for the Los Angeles County mountains, excluding the Santa Monica range. The National Weather Service said 1 to 3 feet of snow would accumulate above 5,000 feet, with “light snow” falling at lower elevations. Winds were also gusting in the area, with the NWS saying 45 to 50 mph sustained winds were anticipated, with higher-elevation gusts of up to 60 mph. “Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” according to the NWS. Stretches of Angeles Crest Highway were closed due to poor weather conditions and state Route 39. Caltrans reminded motorists that chains were required on the Angeles Crest Highway north of La Canada Flintridge. The agency urged motorists to be aware of road conditions and anticipate possible closures due to snow. Gusting winds were also impacting the Antelope Valley. The NWS issued a wind advisory through 10 p.m. Forecasters said the area should expect winds of 15 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, potentially reducing visibility for motorists and blowing dust across roadways. According to the NWS, 2 to 4 inches of rain could fall in L.A. County coastal and valley areas by the time the storm moves through, with 3 to 7 inches falling in the mountains. “By (Thursday), the steadier precipitation should hang on over LA County through at least the morning hours then become more showery in the afternoon,” according to the NWS. Forecasters said there would be a chance of some thunderstorms. According to the NWS, temperatures will also remain “significantly below average” across the region. City News Service contributed to this report.Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.ThankReply Share
