Southern California braces for more heavy rain after record-breaking New Year’s storms

SoCal to see another strong storm this weekend

After heavy rain hit the area on Christmas and New Year's, yet another strong storm moves into the region Friday night. 

LOS ANGELES - Following the record-breaking rainfall that soaked Southern California on New Year's Day, the region is bracing for another significant storm system this weekend. 

Heavy rain, gusty winds, and hazardous surf are expected to impact the region through early next week, prompting widespread emergency preparations and a focus on recent burn areas.

What we know:

Forecasters expect the next storm system to move into Southern California late Friday night, with the most intense period of rain arriving on Saturday. 

Rainfall rates could reach 0.25 to 0.75 inches per hour, particularly in foothills and mountain regions. 

The National Weather Service has issued a beach hazards statement for Orange County due to the risk of minor tidal overflows, while mountain areas above 7,500 feet could see 2 to 6 inches of snow. 

Luckily, for this storm, no Flood Watch was issued. According to FOX 11 meteorologist Adam Krueger, the rain is expected to be lighter than the Christmas and New Year's storms. 

Weather Forecast: Friday, Jan. 2

The latest forecast and air quality conditions for the greater Los Angeles area, including beaches, valleys and desert regions.

Evacuation orders and warnings 

The City of Los Angeles issued an evacuation warning for possible debris flows that take effect at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 3. They urge residents to prepare for possible evacuations in the following zones: LFD-1081, 1083, 1085, 1087, 1089, 1091, 1092, 1093, 1095, 1096, 1097, and 0891 (Mandeville), Hurst Fire: LFD 0001-B, Sunset Fire: LFD-0835. People can find their evacuation zone on the Genasys Project app/website. 

The L.A. County Department of Public Health issued a rain advisory Friday, warning beach users "to avoid all water contact, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers due to potentially higher bacteria levels in those areas. This includes any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand." The advisory will be in effect until at least 4 p.m. Monday.

SoCal beaches brace for king tides

Coastal areas are preparing for possible flooding due to king tides. 

State and local officials have pre-positioned rescue resources, and Los Angeles County has ratified a local emergency proclamation to accelerate recovery and assistance.

What they're saying:

Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed he has directed the Office of Emergency Services to pre-position personnel in high-risk areas, stating he is keeping "a particular eye towards burn scar areas." 

Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass noted that the Los Angeles Fire Department has augmented staffing for specialized resources to assist with swift water rescues and debris flows.

What's next:

Residents are urged to monitor National Weather Service updates as flash flood watches may be issued.

Caltrans and local sanitation crews remain on standby to address road closures and wastewater system overflows. 

Weather Forecast for Friday, Jan. 2

The latest forecast and air quality conditions for the greater Los Angeles area, including beaches, valleys and desert regions.

Motorists are advised to stay off the roads during the peak of the storm on Saturday and to avoid canyon roads where rockslides and mudslides remain a high risk.