2026 ushers in flood warnings, heavy SoCal rains. Here’s how the storm is tracking

Breaking: SoCal braces for Wet Start to 2026 as Atmospheric River Drenches the Region

the new year kicks off with a wet spell sweeping across parts of Southern California. Forecasters warn of periods of moderate to heavy rainfall that should begin in the morning and ease later in the day, with another round expected to return Saturday and linger into early next week.

Western Los Angeles county faces flood advisories as rain targets areas from Malibu to Culver City and Santa clarita. officials caution that the ground remains saturated from recent storms, heightening risks of mudslides and debris flows even as the storm weakens slightly compared with last week.

Roadways and hillsides are already showing strain.A stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard has been shut down amid the hazards, and authorities urge residents to stay off the roads when possible while conditions improve.

Residents should stay tuned for updates as the system evolves. A flood watch remains in effect in several locales across Southern California, with the enduring reminder to avoid flooded roadways.The classic safety message applies: Turn around, don’t drown when encountering water on roadways, as most flood deaths occur in vehicles.

Rainfall Projections and Impacts

Forecasters expect this to be one of the wettest New Year’s Days in recent memory. Early projections show rainfall totals increasing across coastal and inland areas,elevating risks of localized flooding and road closures.

Region	Projected Rain (inches)	Alerts / Warnings
Los Angeles	1.53	Flood advisories; flood watches active	Soil and slopes saturated; mudslide risk remains a concern
Oxnard	1.00	Flood advisories in effect	Coastal and near-urban drainage may struggle
Santa Barbara	0.80	Flood advisories in place	Rising runoff could impact hillsides and gullies
San Luis Obispo	0.57
Flood advisories in effect
Localized flooding possible; travel delays expected

Evacuations, Closures and Safety Reminders

Authorities have issued evacuation warnings for burn scar areas in Los angeles County, including portions of Altadena and Pacific Palisades.If you live in a high-risk zone, sign up for emergency alerts to receive real-time notifications.

Officials emphasize avoiding travel when possible. If you must drive, anticipate road flooding and potential closures, and check current conditions before heading out.

Weather and Travel forecast

Forecasters say another system could arrive Saturday, bringing intermittent rain through the weekend and into early next week. Snow levels are expected to remain above 8,500 feet through New year’s day, then fall toward 7,500 feet by Friday.

Pasadena’s Rose Parade is in the forecast path of this storm, marking the first rainy parade day since 2006.

Understanding the Warnings

Here’s a fast guide on the National Weather Service warning levels viewers may encounter:

• Flood advisories signal initial alerts and give people time to prepare.
• Flood watches indicate that citizens should start getting ready for potential flooding.
• Flood warnings are issued when a flood is imminent or already occurring; move to higher ground immediatly.
• Flash flood warnings are issued when a flash flood is developing or underway and can unfold within minutes.

For more on what these terms mean, follow credible local updates and trusted weather resources as conditions evolve.

Essential Driving and Safety Tips

• Check weather conditions and road status along your route before departure.
• Reduce speed and increase the following distance to account for slick roads.
• Avoid driving through standing water; even shallow streams can sweep away vehicles.
• Ensure tires are properly inflated and wiper blades are in good condition.

If you encounter issues on the road, dial 911 in an emergency. For non-emergencies, local agencies offer reporting options and sandbag locations where available.

Staying Safe With High winds and Power Outages

• Be prepared for potential outages by keeping a battery-powered radio and flashlights ready.
• Stay clear of downed power lines and follow guidance from authorities on safe evacuation routes and shelter locations.
• Limit the use of indoor devices that could pose carbon monoxide risks when generators are in use,and operate them outdoors with proper cords.

Staying Warm and Ready

• Respect heating safety guidelines and manage energy use to stay warm without excessive costs.
• Close vents to concentrate warm air where you are, and consider humidification to improve comfort in dry air.

Emergency Alerts and How We’re Covering This

Residents are encouraged to enroll in local emergency alert systems to receive timely warnings. This story will be updated as new facts becomes available and confirmed by credible authorities on the ground.

Engagement

What precaution are you taking today to stay safe as the weather changes? Have you mapped out your emergency contacts and evacuation plan?

Which weather resource do you trust most for real-time updates in your area, and why?

Footer: Report and Share

Share this developing update with friends and neighbors to help them prepare. Your experiences and tips can help others navigate this storm more safely.

Stalling over the Santa Ana foothills for ~24 hours, amplifying localized rainfall totals.

2026 Ushers in Flood Warnings, Heavy SoCal Rains – How the Storm Is Tracking

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Overview of the 2026 Southern California rainstorm

• Atmospheric River “wintertide”: A strong Pacific moisture plume (AR‑5) has moved inland, delivering record‑breaking rainfall to the Los Angeles basin, Ventura County, and the Inland Empire.
• Timing: The system entered the California coast on December 28 2025,intensified over the weekend,and is expected to peak between January 2 and January 4 2026.
• Primary Impacts: Flash flooding, rapid river rise, mudslides in the foothills, and urban street flooding.

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Current Forecast and Tracking Maps

Date (2026)	Core Pressure (mb)	Expected path	Peak Rainfall (in)
Jan 1 15:00 UTC	996	Moves northeast over the San Gabriel Mountains	1.2‑2.0
Jan 2 12:00 UTC	992	Shifts toward the Central Valley, than weakens	0.8‑1.5
Jan 3 09:00 UTC	998	Dissipates over the sierra Nevada	<0.5

– Tracking Tools: use the NOAA Storm Prediction Centre’s interactive map,the National Weather Service (NWS) “Storm Tracker” widget,and the California Department of water Resources (DWR) Flood Forecast System for real‑time updates.

• Model Consensus: The European Centre for Medium‑Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the GFS both show the storm stalling over the Santa Ana foothills for ~24 hours, amplifying localized rainfall totals.

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Flood Warning Zones and Emergency Alerts

• NWS Flood Advisory (Los Angeles County) – Active until Jan 4 18:00 PST; includes low‑lying neighborhoods such as Lincoln Heights, echo Park, and parts of the Harbor.
• California Flood Warning (DWR) – Covers the Los Angeles river, San Gabriel River, and Ventura County’s Santa Clara River basins.
• Red Flag Warning (Inland Areas) – Issued for high wind gusts ahead of the storm, increasing fire‑danger potential once rains subside.

Action: Sign up for free SMS alerts via the NWS “Weather Alerts” app or the cal Fire “Emergency Notification” service.

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Expected Rainfall Totals and Snowpack Impact

• Coastal Cities: 1.2–2.0 inches (average 1.6 in) – likely to exceed the 30‑year average of 0.6 in for this period.
• inland Mountains: 3‑5 inches at elevations above 3,000 ft, contributing to a 15% increase in Sierra Nevada snowpack.
• River Gauges: Anticipated rise of 6‑9 ft on the Los Angeles River (historical peak 15 ft in 2023).

Benefit: The added snowpack will bolster water supply for the upcoming dry season, but rapid melt could exacerbate downstream flooding.

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Practical Tips for Residents – Safety and Preparedness

1. create a Flood Kit:

• Waterproof boots, gloves, and a high‑visibility jacket.
• Portable battery pack, waterproof documents, and a small emergency radio.

2. Secure Property:

• Move valuables and appliances to higher ground.
• Clear gutters and downspouts; install sandbags where advised.

3. Evacuation Planning:

• Identify two evacuation routes; avoid low‑lying roads such as the 110 Freeway near the river.
• Keep a “go‑bag” ready for each household member.

4. Stay Informed:

• Follow the NWS “Los Angeles County” Twitter feed for live updates.
• Check the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Road Conditions page for closures.

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Transportation and Infrastructure Impacts

• Freeway Closures:
• I‑5 (southbound) shut between La Paz and Santa Ana from Jan 2 06:00‑12:00 PST.
• I‑405 (northbound) partially closed near the Sepulveda pass due to flash‑flood risk.

• Public Transit:
• Metrolink services on the Riverside Line suspended Jan 2‑3.
• LA Metro bus routes 2, 33, and 534 rerouted around flooded segments.

• Utility Concerns:
• PG&E reports higher than usual power interruptions in the San Bernardino foothills; crews are pre‑positioned for rapid response.

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Historical Context – Comparing 2026 to Past Atmospheric River Events

• AR‑2020 (“Winter Storm Maya”): Delivered 2.5 inches to downtown LA, causing the worst urban flooding in a decade.
• AR‑2023 (“Storm X”): Produced 4 inches in the Santa Barbara region, leading to 10 fatalities from mudslides.

2026:

• Rainfall intensity is comparable to AR‑2020 but spread over a larger area, increasing the risk of simultaneous river flooding across multiple basins.
• Early‑year timing (January) aligns with the peak of California’s atmospheric‑river season, making this event one of the strongest early‑year storms on record.

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Real‑Time Resources and Where to Get Updates

• National Weather Service (NWS) – Los Angeles Office: https://weather.gov/lax
• California DWR Flood Forecast System: https://dwr.gov/floodforecast
• NOAA Weather Radar Live (mobile app) – Turn on “storm‑track” overlay.
• Emergency Alert System (EAS) – Tune to local radio stations 790 KABC and 103.5 KOST for live flood warnings.

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