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Weather Forecast for Thursday, Nov. 13
The latest forecast and air quality conditions for the greater Los Angeles area, including beaches, valleys and desert regions.
LOS ANGELES - Preparations were underway across Southern California as the region braces for a potent storm that will bring cooler temperatures, widespread rain, gusty winds, mountain snow, and high surf.
The storm is expected to deliver a month's worth of rain in just a few days. As an abundance of caution, officials issued evacuation orders in recent burn scar zones in Los Angeles County.
What we know:
Forecasters at the National Weather Service (NWS) say temperatures could drop by as much as 20 degrees from Tuesday to Friday as a powerful storm makes its way to the area.
Northern California, including the Bay Area, will experience heavy rain, while the Sierra Nevada is under a winter storm warning, with several feet of snow possible. Mammoth and Big Bear are among the locations expected to receive significant snowfall.
The storm will then push southward into Southern California with rain expected to move into Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange counties by late Thursday night.
The storm is forecast to be cold enough to bring snowfall to SoCal's mountain communities at elevations as at 6,000 feet and above. In addition, mud and debris flow in and around recent burn scar areas in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties could occur.
Timeline:
See a detailed timeline of the storm below.
- Thursday night: Rain begins in Santa Barbara and Oxnard, moving into Ventura County.
- Friday morning: Rain spreads to Los Angeles and the Inland Empire, with moderate rain expected in Orange County.
- Saturday: Heavy bands of rain continue across Orange County and the Inland Empire, increasing the risk of roadway flooding and impacting burn scar areas.
- Saturday night: More rain is anticipated, with conditions persisting into Sunday.
- Late Sunday/Early Next Week: A second storm system is expected to arrive, bringing additional rainfall.
- Monday to Tuesday: Rain chances remain high with a possible second round of rain expected by the end of the week.
Evacuation Warning
An evacuation warning is in place from 6 p.m. Thursday to 11 a.m. Sunday in the Palisades Fire area due to possible debris flow. LAPD is expected to go door-to-door warning residents in high-risk houses.
RELATED: California storm: Evacuation warnings issued as rain threatens burn scar zones in LA County
Impact to burn zones
According to LA County Public Works, the storm is expected to bring increased mudflow risk in the Bethany, Bridge, Canyon, Eaton, Franklin, Hurst, Kenneth, Lidia, Palisades, and Sunset burn areas.
Road Closures
Topanga Canyon Boulevard in the Palisades will be closed from 6 p.m. tonight through at least Sunday for safety reasons. This closure affects a 3.6-mile stretch from PCH to Grand View Drive.
How Much Rain Is Expected?
By the numbers:
The NWS predicts between 1 and 2 inches of rain across the coasts and valleys and between 2 and 4 inches for the mountains and foothills. Flood watches could be issued if needed, especially in the event of heavy downpours and thunderstorms.
How Cold Will It Get?
During the cold storm, afternoon highs will reach the low 60s for inland and coastal communities and mid-40s for the mountains.
What's next:
The storm is expected to last until next Tuesday with another round of rain expected on Thursday, Nov. 20.
The Source: This article is based on forecasts and data provided by the National Weather Service and FOX 11's weather team.