A potentially violent storm moving slowly off of the Northern California coast is expected to slam into Los Angeles and Orange counties and the Inland Empire this afternoon, bringing 60 mph winds and heavy rains that could cause flooding, according to the National Weather Service.
“Don’t take the storm lightly,” said Stephen Harrison, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service. “It won’t be a good day to do anything.”
This morning will see isolated showers. However, between 1 and 3 p.m., the full force of the storm was forecast to will hit Los Angeles County and then will make its way to Orange County and the Inland Empire around 4 p.m., Harrison said.
Wind gusts could reach 50 mph to 60 mph, most likely sweeping through between 4 and 8 p.m. Friday. “It will be strong enough to cause downed trees and power lines and structural damage,” Harrison warned. “Stay inside if you can.”
The storm was also expected to bring 3 to 5 inches of rain to Los Angeles County, and 2 to 4 inches to Orange County and the Inland Empire.
The San Gabriel Mountains could get 6 to 8 inches of precipitation, while the Santa Ana Mountains could receive 4-5 inches and the San Bernardino Mountains may get 2-6 inches, Harrison said.
Mud slides and urban flooding are possible throughout the region.
Coastal areas will also be impacted, with waves possibly reaching up to 9 feet today. Saturday, waves could reach 15 feet in some areas such as Huntington Beach.
Some cities were taking precautions, offering residents sandbags and sand.
In Seal Beach, lifeguards will monitor the pier to determine if it needs to be closed, and pumps have been placed around town.
“All we can do is go off the forecast,” said Joe Bailey, Seal Beach’s lifeguard chief. “We’re concerned about the high wind blowing down trees, and power outages. … We’ll see how it stacks up.”
Staff writer Laylan Connelly contributed to this report.
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