The forecast for the Pineapple Express storm expected to hit SoCal this week has gotten more serious. The National Weather Service is now calling this a “major” storm, with the possibility for flooding and tropical storm wind gusts up to 55 mph starting Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Forecasters now expect 2 to 5 inches for the coasts and valleys by Wednesday evening, with 5 to 10 inches possible in the foothills and mountains. Yes, you read that right. That’s not just a wet winter week, that has the potential for being dangerous and record breaking. The weather service is now saying rainfall rates could hit roughly three-quarters of an inch to more than an inch per hour at times.
Looks like Santa’s not gonna get much of a break either. Forecasters expect another surge on Thursday, with an additional 1 to 3 inches possible. And you know the drill by now. The longer it rains, the more problems you get from saturated ground which then floods roads quickly, making driving a dangerous mess. You then add the ingredient of last-minute Christmas shopping and you have a recipe for accidents.
The winds are also going to be an issue. The weather service expects strong southeast winds Tuesday into Wednesday, with gusts in the 35 to 55 mph range in some coastal and valley areas, and higher in the mountains…