Sunny Southern California has been anything but sunny on Saturday, as heavy rainfall and flash flooding batter Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. The downpour, which is relatively rare, is due to an atmospheric river that’s bringing extra moisture to the region.
In a statement posted to X on Friday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he was increasing emergency resources in four counties across Southern California, including Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and Los Angeles. “We’re making sure we quickly respond to protect Californians and minimize damage from debris flows or flooding,” the governor added.
Heavy rains through Sunday
The threat of flash floods is particularly acute in areas that were devastated by the Palisades and Eaton fires earlier this year.
Around 9:30 a.m. PT on Saturday, the National Weather Service (NWS) announced that “widespread” rain is expected through Sunday. “During the peak of the event isolated strong thunderstorms will bring a moderate risk of flash flooding, debris flows, and damaging winds,” the NWS wrote in its Area Forecast Discussion. “The stormy pattern will continue and periods of rain are possible through late next week.”…