Overview
- A low-pressure system moving down the West Coast will bring the region’s first notable fall storm, with showers starting in the Sierra Tuesday and the heaviest, most widespread activity expected Wednesday into early Thursday.
- Most lower-elevation areas are forecast to receive about 0.75 to 1 inch of rain while foothills and coastal slopes could see up to roughly 2 inches, and snow levels are expected near or above 8,000 feet with 2–4 inches possible at the highest Sierra elevations.
- The National Weather Service puts the chance of thunderstorms at about 10%–20% in parts of Southern California, which could produce brief heavy downpours, gusty or erratic winds, and lightning.
- Officials warn of travel impacts over mountain passes and heightened risk of rapid runoff or debris flows below recent burn scars such as Timber and Plaskett near Big Sur, and some counties already have beach hazard statements for large surf and dangerous rip currents.
- Forecast models are still converging on exact timing and totals, so forecasters urge residents to monitor updates, carry chains for high passes if traveling, avoid downslope areas below burn scars, and heed local beach and road warnings.