- Powerful storm passes through southern California, causing property damage in Grover Beach
- Severe thunderstorm winds up to 82 mph recorded in Ventura County and 75 mph in Los Angeles County
- Ongoing risk of mudslides and rockslides in saturated southern California, while drier weather expected by Friday but storm alerts issued for 12 states.
Additional Coverage:
A powerful storm passed through southern California overnight, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to an area that was already saturated. Grover Beach, a neighborhood south of Los Angeles, experienced a possible tornado that caused property damage, downed power lines, and trees. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries, and authorities will assess the damage on Thursday morning.
This storm system, following two consecutive atmospheric rivers within a week, resulted in severe thunderstorm winds of up to 82 mph in Ventura County and 75 mph in Los Angeles County. The strong gusts knocked down trees in some areas. Furthermore, downtown Los Angeles received additional rainfall, contributing to a total of 9.03 inches in the last five days. Other parts of southern California received nearly 14 inches of rain during the same period, which is nearly a year’s worth.
With the ground already saturated, there is an ongoing risk of mudslides and rockslides in southern California over the next few days. In addition to heavy rain, the storm system brought significant snowfall to the mountains of southern California, with accumulations reaching up to 42 inches in the last five days. The system is expected to move out of California and continue dumping snow on the southern Rocky Mountains on Thursday and Friday.
Fortunately, drier weather is expected to return to California by Friday, with only scattered and light rain showers in the forecast. However, the National Weather Service has issued storm alerts for 12 states, primarily due to mountain snowfall and the danger of avalanches. Five states, ranging from Idaho to New Mexico, are on alert for the risk of avalanches.