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The Pasadena/South Pasadena area is bracing for yet another round of severe weather conditions as a warm rainstorm heads towards California. The storm is expected to bring with it a high risk of localized flooding and avalanches in mountain communities that have already been hit hard by 100 inches of snow during the recent blizzard. This latest storm is being fueled by an atmospheric river known as the Pineapple Express and is forecasted to hit northern California before making its way down to Southern California.
Despite the fact that the Southland is only expected to receive small amounts of rain on Friday and Saturday, residents are being warned to prepare for hazardous conditions. With 10 atmospheric river-fueled storms having hit the Golden State already this year, the cumulative effect of this latest storm could still prove to be destructive in Southern California, according to forecasters.
Residents across the Southland can expect strong winds, falling trees, swollen rivers, and hazardous mountain conditions in the coming days. In particular, mountain communities such as Mount Baldy, Crestline, Wrightwood, and Big Bear are at risk of avalanches and collapsed roofs due to the additional rain falling on top of snow.
The National Weather Service has issued avalanche warnings for elevations above 5,000 feet and is also warning of potential flooding caused by the melted snow and rainfall runoff from the mountains. The heavy rainfall is expected to arrive on Friday evening and Saturday, with up to 3 inches of snow forecasted above 8,000 feet.
In addition to the hazardous conditions, temperatures are expected to drop and winds to gust across the mountains, desert slopes, and passes, with gusts strongest through the San Gorgonio Pass.
Residents across SoCal are being advised to take extra precautions and prepare for the worst as the warm rainstorm moves through the region.
