The monster storm that we’ve been warning you about all week has arrived. Rain falling as fast as a half inch an hour is being reported in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, and pushing into the San Fernando Valley.
The potent band of moisture, or so-called atmospheric river, is barreling straight in from the Pacific, threatening to soak the coast and valleys in rain, bury the mountains in snow, whip up gusty winds and kick up the broiling surf.
Here are five things you need to know about the beast:
1. RECORDS COULD FALL
Rainfall amounts could be off the charts. Totals could exceed 6 inches in Malibu and Pasadena, and 4 inches Los Angeles and Long Beach, according to a National Weather Service outlook.
To the east and south, totals could approach 3 inches around Ontario and in much of Orange County, and top 2 inches across Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Rain is spreading into Los Angeles this morning, and expected to hammer Orange County and the Inland Empire in late morning and early afternoon.
2. BLOWIN’ AWAY
This storm is packing powerful winds. The strongest winds are forecast to hit this afternoon, the Weather Service said. So watch out for downed power lines and trees, many of which are already unstable because of the saturated soil. If you see a power line down, call 911 – and stay away from it.
3. PACK YOUR CHAINS
Headed for the mountains or already there? Better pack those chains and beware that drive conditions likely will deteriorate in a hurry. Meteorologists project that snow levels will start relatively high – around 7,000 feet – this morning, then descend to 5,000 feet by Saturday.
Could be another welcome dumping for the region’s mountain resorts in what is already a banner ski-snowboard season. Expect a whole lot of snow: 6 to 12 inches of snow between the 6,000-foot and 7,000-foot levels, 1 to 2 feet above 7,000 feet, and up to 3 feet above 8,000 feet.
4. STAY ALERT
You’ll want to monitor weather forecasts throughout the day. And make sure you know the difference between a watch and a warning. A watch means the potential exists for severe weather to occur; a warning means severe weather is imminent and you are warned to take immediate action to protect yourself.
5. WATCH THE WATER
If you see water on the road, beware. The water doesn’t have to be very deep to pose a major threat. “Turn around. Don’t drown,” officials advise. Don’t cross flooded roads or waterways on foot or in a car.
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