With strong thunderstorms moving through parts of Los Angeles, the National Weather Service issued a Flood Advisory on Sunday afternoon until 7 p.m. for portions of the county from the San Fernando Valley to the San Gabriel Valley.
Thunderstorms and hail were reported over Alhambra, Duarte and near West Covina. In Hermosa Beach, the pier and beach were closed Sunday afternoon because of the weather conditions.
Forecasters cautioned extreme care while driving.
A Flood Advisory is in effect until 7pm for portions of LA Co. from San Fernando Valley to San Gabriel Valley including Downtown LA due to strong thunderstorms moving thru. Be extremely careful while driving & if you encounter a flooded road, turn around don’t drown #LA #CAwx pic.twitter.com/DDSxamr8Se
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) March 24, 2024
The first storm of the spring season is expected to move on from Southern California after Sunday, clearing the way for a cloudy but dry week before heavier rainfall returns next weekend, forecasters said.
National Weather Service forecasters described this weekend’s rain and snow as “a very modest system at best with regard to rainfall amounts.”
On Saturday, Lancaster Airport set a record for the date with .53 inches of rain, breaking the record of .39 inches set in 1995, according to the NWS.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning including Pasadena CA, East Los Angeles CA and El Monte CA until 4:45 PM PDT pic.twitter.com/kJoLV9p3EJ
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) March 24, 2024
“A lingering storm system will continue a cold and unsettled weather pattern into Sunday,” the NWS said. “Scattered showers with isolated thunderstorms are possible with snow levels lowering to as low as 3,500 feet. West to northwest winds will continue to strengthen through Sunday evening as a tight northerly pressure difference develops across the state.
“Warmer and drier weather is expected for early week, than another storm system, potentially heavy rainfall, is possible for next weekend.”
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The weather service said rainfall totals through Sunday night will generally be 0.25 inches or less for most areas, but the northern mountain slopes could get near 1 inch.
Wind advisories were in effect until 8 p.m. Sunday in the downtown and west Los Angeles area, and from 4 p.m. Sunday until 3 a.m. Monday in the Santa Clarita Valley, where gusts up to 40 mph were expected. The Antelope Valley was expected to see gusts of 45 mph Sunday afternoon, possibly increasing to 65 mph Sunday night.
Sunday’s highs were in the 50s and lower 60s. Overnight lows were expected to drop into the 30s in the mountains and high desert.
We would appreciate any reports from you if you experience any hail, wind damage, or any other storm related impacts today. Please let us know approximate location & time, and include photos/videos if you have them. Thanks! #CAwx #Losangeles #LA #Ventura
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) March 24, 2024
“The very cold air mass for this time of year is supporting snow levels already down to between 3,000 and 4,000 feet per the Vandenberg radar with snow also reported at the Sandberg (4,500 ft elevation) sensor in the northwest LA mountains with a temperature of 34 degrees,” the NWS said.
The storm threatened some weekend activities.
“I’m in Bellflower, can it wait for like 10-15min?!?!” Botcher posted on X shortly after 4 p.m. Sunday. “I’ve got some whole chickens and hot links on the grill for dinner tonight.”
Also Sunday, firefighters rescued a woman who was spotted in the concrete-lined Los Angeles River flood control panel near Whitsett Avenue in Studio City.
The rescue effort began shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday, Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey said.
The water where the 35-year-old woman was initially seen was only about knee deep, Humphrey said. However, the water was flowing at an estimated 15 miles per hour.
Firefighters threw a flotation device to her, which she took hold of as she continued moving slowly downstream to a location west of Laurel Canyon Boulevard, where she was able to stand briefly before being knocked over by water.
A Los Angeles Rescue Helicopter crew used a hoist cable and harness to pull her to safety. Humphrey said she would receive continuous in-flight care for minor injuries, including hypothermia, during direct transport to an area hospital.
The woman confirmed that no one else, including animals, were endangered.
