Key Takeaways
- California’s wet winter continues, with rain expected to last through Tuesday
- The recent storm system has caused extensive road closures, including a 27-mile stretch of the 101 Freeway, and grounded flights at Santa Barbara Airport
- There is a 20% chance of mudslides in recent burn areas, including the Palisades, Eaton, and Bridge burn scars
- The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for the Santa Clarita Valley and the mountains in northwest L.A. County
- The Bay Area is experiencing coastal flooding due to a combination of high king tides, large swells, and rainfall
Introduction to California’s Wet Winter
California’s wet winter continued on Saturday, with rain falling across the Southland and causing disruptions to travel and daily life. The rain has resulted in the grounding of flights at Santa Barbara Airport and the closure of extensive roadways, including a 27-mile stretch of the 101 Freeway. The storm system is expected to continue through Tuesday, with the heaviest downfalls tapering off by midday Monday. According to the National Weather Service, even light rain can have a significant impact when it comes on the heels of other heavy winter storms.
Impact of the Storm System
The recent storm system has been more severe in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, but is expected to weaken as it moves into Los Angeles County. The Santa Barbara Airport canceled all flights going in and out of the airport on Saturday, with officials unsure of when it would reopen. The airport’s spokesperson urged travelers to check with their airlines for flight status before coming to the airport. The wet weather, combined with an earlier storm over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, has also caused the closure of roadways, including the 3.6-mile stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard, which is known to experience mudslides.
Flooding and Mudslide Risks
The National Weather Service has issued a flood advisory for the Santa Clarita Valley and the mountains in northwest L.A. County, warning of minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas, as well as minor mudslides and debris flows. There is also a 20% chance that recent burn areas, including the Palisades, Eaton, and Bridge burn scars, could see mudslides. The service warns that even light rain can be hazardous, especially in areas with steep terrain and recent burn scars. The rainy system is expected to weaken as it moves south into Los Angeles County, but the risk of flooding and mudslides remains.
Coastal Flooding in the Bay Area
Farther north in the Bay Area, a powerful combination of abnormally high king tides, large swells caused by a storm in the eastern Pacific, and rainfall across the region has led to coastal flooding. The flooding is primarily around the Embarcadero in San Francisco and in parts of Marin County, with reports of high surf near Half Moon Bay and some flooding in the Elkhorn Slough area in the northern part of Monterey County. High tides could cause another round of coastal flooding on Sunday, but by Monday the region should be clear of floods, according to the National Weather Service.
Drought Conditions and Future Rainfall
L.A. County has seen higher-than-normal precipitation this rainy season, with particularly strong storms hitting the region over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The final rainy days in 2025 helped pull California out of drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The wettest months of the year are traditionally January and February, suggesting that more rain may be on its way. This could have a significant impact on the state’s drought conditions and water supply, and Californians can expect to see continued wet weather in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, California’s wet winter continues to cause disruptions to travel and daily life, with rain expected to last through Tuesday. The storm system has caused extensive road closures and grounded flights, and there is a risk of flooding and mudslides in recent burn areas. The Bay Area is experiencing coastal flooding due to a combination of high king tides, large swells, and rainfall. As the state enters its traditionally wettest months, Californians can expect to see continued wet weather and potential disruptions to daily life. It is essential to stay informed about the weather forecast and any potential risks, and to take necessary precautions to ensure safety.