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Prepare Now: Major Pineapple Express Storm Prompts Flood Watch for Most of Southern California
Heads up, Southern California. If your holiday plans involve travel or outdoor festivities, you need to prepare for a powerful shift in the weather, as a Flood Watch goes into effect for most of the region starting on Tuesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning residents to take immediate action as a significant atmospheric river, often dubbed a “Pineapple Express,” bears down on the Southland, threatening one of the wettest Christmases in recent memory.
A Deluge Right Before the Holidays
The core of the storm is expected to arrive on Tuesday, bringing the heaviest precipitation between midnight Tuesday and noon Wednesday. This system is not your typical Southern California drizzle—it is forecast to bring widespread heavy rainfall that will challenge the region’s urban drainage systems and create significant hazards.
Forecasts are calling for staggering rain totals through the end of the week. Coastal and valley areas across Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire could see anywhere from 4 to 8 inches of rain. Downtown Los Angeles, for instance, has an 80% chance of receiving 2 or more inches of rain between Tuesday and Christmas Day, a total not seen for the holiday since 1971. The most concerning amounts are expected in the mountains and foothills, where 6 to 12 inches are possible, and some areas could see as much as 10 to 20 inches total.
The Triple Threat: Flooding, Mudslides, and Wind
With this much rain coming so quickly, the threat of flash flooding is extremely high. The NWS has placed a large portion of Southern California under a “Moderate Risk” (Level 3 of 4) for excessive rainfall, a serious designation that points to a high likelihood of widespread impacts. This heavy rain also brings with it a dangerous potential for mudslides and debris flows, especially in areas recently scarred by wildfires where the ground cannot absorb the moisture.
To compound the danger, strong southerly winds are expected to accompany the rain, with gusts potentially reaching 50 mph in certain areas. This increases the risk of downed power lines and toppled trees, which could lead to widespread power outages just as the holiday begins.
How to Prepare Right Now
Local and state emergency officials are urging residents to take immediate steps to prepare for a multi-day event. Before the first heavy band hits, you should clear rain gutters and storm drains of debris, and secure any loose outdoor items, like holiday decorations, furniture, and trash cans.
For those living near hillsides or recent burn scars, preparedness is even more critical. Have an evacuation plan ready for yourself and your pets, and be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is issued. Do not sleep in ground-floor bedrooms that face hazardous slopes.
Finally, everyone should put together a basic emergency kit. This kit should include essential items like a three-day supply of non-perishable food and water (one gallon per person per day), flashlights, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates, a first aid kit, and an external battery pack to charge cell phones.
If you must travel during the storm’s peak, remember Caltrans’ golden rule: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” It only takes six inches of rushing water to knock an adult off their feet, and just one foot of water to float or sweep away most vehicles. Check real-time road conditions before you go, and expect significant delays. Safety should be your first priority this holiday week.