Unprecedented November storms have unleashed torrential rains across Southern California, triggering new flash flood warnings throughout Los Angeles County on Friday. The relentless downpours continue a pattern of severe weather that has put the region on track for near-record rainfall this month.
Widespread Flooding and Mudslide Risks
The National Weather Service issued urgent warnings before dawn Friday, alerting residents to dangerous conditions including flash flooding of streets, creeks, and streams with potential mudslides in multiple Los Angeles areas. The most recent flash flood warning covered significant portions of the county, including downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Studio City.
Emergency services reported vehicles becoming stranded in floodwaters near Culver City during the early morning hours. The @UnifiedLA emergency alert system reinforced the seriousness of the situation, warning residents to remain vigilant due to localized flooding and potential debris and mud flows, particularly in vulnerable areas.
Record-Breaking Rainfall Totals
The statistics reveal an extraordinary weather event unfolding across Southern California. Downtown Los Angeles typically receives just 0.78 inches (2 centimeters) of rain during an average November. This month, however, the area has already recorded approximately 3.5 inches (8.9 centimeters) of precipitation—more than four times the normal amount.
Santa Barbara County has experienced even more extreme conditions, with parts of the Santa Ynez Mountains receiving over 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rainfall since November began. The weather service attributes this exceptional moisture to a persistent atmospheric river pattern affecting the region.
Atmospheric River Drives Dangerous Conditions
The series of storms beginning November 13 has been fueled by a potent atmospheric river—a long, narrow band of water vapor that transports massive moisture from tropical regions. This same weather phenomenon has already been blamed for at least a half-dozen deaths earlier this month as it moved across much of California.
Meteorologists note that the heavy rains pose additional threats to areas recently scarred by wildfires, where denuded landscapes become particularly susceptible to dangerous mudslides. The ongoing situation underscores the increasing volatility of weather patterns affecting California and the critical importance of heeding emergency warnings during extreme weather events.
