Overview
- Flood watches are in effect across multiple regions, including a countywide watch for San Diego from 4 a.m. Wednesday to 1 a.m. Thursday and a watch beginning Tuesday afternoon for much of Los Angeles County.
- Forecasters expect multiple waves, with a major surge late Tuesday night into Wednesday and another round Wednesday night into Christmas Day, followed by lingering showers into Friday and Saturday.
- Projected rainfall ranges from 1 to 6 inches in lower elevations and 6 to 12 inches or more in foothills and mountains, with San Diego locations likely reaching 2.5 to 4 inches; the Sierra could see several feet of snow as colder air arrives.
- Gusts of 35 to 40 mph are forecast in valleys and foothills, 40 to 50 mph along parts of the coast, and up to 60 mph in the Sierra, raising concerns for downed trees, power outages and hazardous coastal conditions.
- Officials warn of flash flooding, rock and mudslides and debris flows near burn scars, with significant road and air travel disruptions possible during peak storm periods.