California is bracing for a winter storm that has already unleashed moderate to heavy rain across the state, leading to flood warnings and watches. The NWS issued a 3 AM radar update indicating the approach of the low-pressure system, with areas like the North Bay experiencing solid rainfall for several hours. Southern California is expected to bear the brunt of the storm, with a flood watch in effect and forecasts predicting 2-4 inches of rain, potentially reaching 4-8 inches in higher terrain. The storm's slow movement raises the risk of flash and urban flooding, as well as mudslides, particularly in burn scar areas. Thunderstorms and the possibility of waterspouts or tornadoes add to the severe weather risks. A Flood Advisory has been issued for parts of the Bay Area, and a Flood Warning is in place for southern Monterey and San Benito Counties. The flood watch for LA County will remain until Thursday night, with the flood threat expected to persist through Friday. Tornado warnings have been issued, with rainfall rates reaching 1-2 inches per hour. An evacuation order was issued for part of Port Hueneme as neighborhoods from Ventura to Oxnard faced significant flooding. One extreme rainfall event in downtown Oxnard saw 3.18 inches in just one hour, exceeding the average December rainfall for the area. Additionally, a Dense Fog Advisory has been issued for the central and southern Sacramento Valley, the greater Delta region, and the northern San Joaquin Valley, potentially impacting visibility on highways.
Patchy dense fog has developed over the North Bay Interior valleys with visibilities of a quarter mile or less being reported. Dense fog may linger until 10 AM this morning. Use caution on the roads! #CAwx https://t.co/VZQWtCqBtQ
The thunderstorms in San Diego County have diminished as they moved into the valleys. Radar is showing intensification of the rain over northern Orange County as of 12:30 AM. #cawx https://t.co/V0UtcxxQHZ
Heads up North Bay - patchy dense fog is developing in the valleys and may become more widespread as the night progresses. Use caution if driving especially on Highway 101 for potential quick reductions in visibility. #CAwx
A storm dumped rain and flooded roadways in southern California, just as Christmas travel was getting underway. https://t.co/LskyGIY8Qd
Showers with scattered thunderstorms will move gradually inland overnight with thunderstorms reaching the coast around midnight. Rainfall of one-half to one inch per hour in thunderstorms. #cawx https://t.co/2iltowAOwG
Large area of strong thunderstorms with frequent lightning and very heavy rain developing west of San Diego. Will likely move inland between LA and SD counties in next 1-2 hrs. Will probably be associated with at least localized flooding. #CAwx https://t.co/KEMHSMilJU
NEW VIDEO! This is just one of the many videos we've seen today of the flash flooding across parts of southern California. Floodwaters were seen rapidly moving past this apartment complex earlier in Santa Barbara. #cawx https://t.co/NftQcRjNMW
Dense Fog Advisory is in effect through 11 AM Friday for the central and southern Sac Valley, the greater Delta region and the northern San Joaquin Valley. Widespread dense fog with local highway visibilities down to 800 feet or less. #cawx https://t.co/sxALvdHvr5
Heavy rain and thunderstorms will occur in southern California and southern Arizona through Friday night, with flash flooding and mud/debris flows possible. Gusty winds will also occur, as well as mountain snow above 7000 feet. https://t.co/vPzReHityg
Parts of Ventura County, California, were evacuated Thursday as heavy rainfall inundated roads and homes in the region, local authorities said. Forecasters warned that the storm would continue to pummel parts of Southern California through Friday evening. https://t.co/KRStkQPnAE
Rain had become widespread over the coastal waters and was spreading to some of the beaches as of 615 PM. Isolated thunderstorms were bringing a few lightning strikes as well. Rain will expand over land this evening and especially overnight, when it could be locally heavy. #CAwx https://t.co/MqxBKpKObT
Torrential rain flooded homes and streets in Southern California's coastal cities Thursday. The @NWS warned of additional rainfall amounts between one to three inches on top of the two to five inches that had already fallen in Santa Barbara. https://t.co/rYRahyummr https://t.co/ri5H045DQ8
The rain is insane in/ around Santa Barbara and it’s still raining heavily. #CAwx https://t.co/IE1nQULtot
Torrential rain flooded homes and streets in Southern California's coastal cities Thursday, stranding some drivers in typically idyllic Santa Barbara and compounding holiday travel headaches. https://t.co/PYEsPAen5y https://t.co/PYEsPAen5y
A MONTH'S WORTH of rain fell in LESS THAN ONE HOUR in downtown #Oxnard this morning. This puts into perspective how heavy the 3.18 inches that fell in just one hour truly was. The average rainfall for the entire month of December is 2.56 inches. #cawx https://t.co/2bFPJ27DOD
Heavy rains are causing major flooding throughout parts of Ventura County. @CountyVentura & @RedCross volunteers are providing shelter for those who have been displaced by today's flooding, including pets! 📍Evacuation Shelter at Oxnard College Gymnasium (4000 S Rose Ave, Oxnard) https://t.co/Qn7FzVShC3
Heavy rain caused roads in Santa Barbara to close this afternoon, leaving many drivers stranded. A flash flood warning was issued, with additional rain expected. #CAwx https://t.co/IuLytrgJK0
Model radar simulation - increasing showers tonight, rapidly moving across southern California with locally heavy rain/isolated thunderstorms, then notice the precipitation wraps back into the region Friday afternoon and evening as the main upper circulation passes south #cawx https://t.co/eFydFmTGCm
Latest forecasts for additional rainfall through Friday night, showers will increase Thursday evening again and then be widespread overnight and early Friday with scattered thunderstorms and heavy rain when the main #castorm arrives #cawx then taper off Friday night - Flood Watch https://t.co/8WiSaGtgSf
Pacific storm dumps heavy rains, unleashes flooding in California coastal cities https://t.co/DpqHwzxTIv
Here is a snapshot of the rest of the storm. Heavy rain and flooding risk remains through tonight. FLASH FLOOD WATCHES are in effect. #cawx https://t.co/0IRukFW4xP
NEW VIDEO: Our field correspondent @WxChasing is in Santa Barbara County where major flooding is taking place. We'll have details on-air and online. #CAwx https://t.co/AuGSXB4htI
Southern California is getting its first major storm since November and @Cal_OES wants you to be prepared for everything coming with it - heavy rainfall, high elevation snow, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and flooding in some areas. Learn more: https://t.co/163GggPLeK https://t.co/MSkZU8MAyL
Early this morning, the Ventura County Fire Department and our operational partners responded to numerous flood and emergency calls throughout the western portion of the County, including the City of Port Hueneme, the City of Oxnard and the surrounding unincorporated communities.… https://t.co/XEm4rE357T
#Flooding in #SantaBarbara #California after near continuous rain the past 24 hours. @NWSLosAngeles has a flash flood warning out as rain continues. https://t.co/p13ukwQtrl
Oxnard, CA - who saw a brief Tornado warning at 1:45 AM local time - encountered heavy flooding early this morning. This area averages less than 16" of rain per year, so this much rain all at once caused widespread flood concern in southern California. #CAwx https://t.co/9xW8JtwxZu
Several roads remain flooded in the #SantaBarbara area. With the threat of heavy rain continuing through at least this afternoon, it is best to avoid driving in and toward the area today. A #FlashFloodWarning remain in effect through 4pm. #cawx #larain https://t.co/IF5AANLo17
RAIN ESTIMATES: Travel will be tricky along the West Coast now through Saturday especially for drivers. The heaviest rain will likely fall on Friday with the highest amounts dropping in Southern California & across parts of Arizona. ☔️ #WeatherAuthority #LasVegas https://t.co/GAt1tXeW8h
⚠️TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN! Reports of flooded roads throughout Santa Barbara County are coming in. Stay off the roads and remain vigilant to changing conditions. Hours of rain are still on the way! #ReadySBC https://t.co/aBYmJ9BOgk
Periods of heavy rain have doused much of California this week, causing bouts of flooding from north to south. There’s still more to come Thursday into Friday as a flood watch remains in effect. https://t.co/754e5fNcFj
Live, pop-up YouTube session begins in 5 minutes to discuss ongoing extreme rainfall and worsening flash flood situation across portions of central and southern CA coast. Expect a radar/satellite tour. #CAwx #CAwater https://t.co/n4wfbFr0VT
I will have a pop up live YouTube session shortly to did ongoing extreme rainfall and worsening flood situation in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Link soon. #CAwx
The incoming closed upper low will bring widespread showers and scattered thunderstorms so the flood threat is expected from Thursday evening through Friday as shown on the excessive rainfall outlook #CAWX precipitation will spread south to north https://t.co/QKPBvMMS5r
Heavy rain approaching the #SantaBarara city area with rates of 1+ inch per hour. Storms are moving from south to north. Stay off the roads if you can for at least the next few hours. Significant road flooding likely soon. #cawx #larain https://t.co/j1NhVCEnl8
Ventura County streets under water as storm soaks Southern California https://t.co/DkjPGnGXt6
The system off the coast of Southern California continues to bring heavy rain to the region. The system is expected to slowly move inland by Saturday. https://t.co/acZFxdUD5F
A slow-moving storm is battering Southern California causing significant flooding and warnings from officials of possible mudslides. https://t.co/xJuDg1Qg0S
The rainfall that occurred earlier this morning over #Oxnard #PortHueneme #Ventura was indeed EXTREME. Here are the highest rates/intensities observed. #cawx #larain https://t.co/BP7f0RoBib
#BREAKING Evacuation order issued for part of Port Hueneme as storm triggers major flooding in Ventura County https://t.co/Dle1cmqPpv
Despite the rain decreasing, several roads in the #PortHueneme #Oxnard #Ventura areas remain flooded from the earlier heavy rains. Check traffic before heading out, and allow extra time. #cawx https://t.co/PKuEauJpuB
This morning, @NOAA's #GOESEast 🛰️ is continuing to monitor a slow-moving storm system bringing heavy rainfall to Southern California. #Flood Watches are in effect throughout the region as well as into parts of Arizona. Latest: https://t.co/wJGBXDcNu2 https://t.co/MXvkufzaqZ
Flash Flood and Tornado Warnings jolted the Los Angeles area this morning as a powerful storm slammed into Southern California. https://t.co/YT9ciu17Cd
Neighborhoods under water: Ferocious SoCal thunderstorms trigger flooding and even a brief tornado warning. The risky flood rescues -- now on ABC7 https://t.co/Dle1cmqPpv
Ventura County: Tornado warning issued as rain triggers dangerous flooding. https://t.co/kkffCxW5yW Click the image to read more:
New video shows flooded streets in Ventura County overnight. Our LIVE coverage continues on @ABC7 and streaming 24/7 on the ABC7 Los Angeles app! 🌧️📲 (🎥: @onscenetv) https://t.co/0gH2mxuSm2
Powerful storm brings flooding and mudslide threats to California just days before Christmas https://t.co/7M4ERITOKG
#BREAKING: Flash flooding overnight leaves neighborhoods from Ventura to Oxnard under water. A powerful thunderstorm triggering dangerous downpours and a tornado warning. Our MegaDoppler tracking more severe weather on the way. This morning at 6 from ABC7 https://t.co/bm0PrZfc3p https://t.co/LTSlK1UCgv
#BREAKING OVERNIGHT: Storm drops 3 inches of rain in an hour, brings widespread flooding to Ventura County https://t.co/xLEOkX311R https://t.co/HVfmGrpJNl
Rain in California and across the Southwest could interrupt holiday travel plans and prompt flash flooding. @WeatherChannel’s @StephanieAbrams breaks down what to expect. https://t.co/TlYMQ6U7VM https://t.co/20fFsGGUMl
Did you wake up to a tornado warning in Southern California?? A strong thunderstorm moved onshore near Oxnard this morning with intense rain and strong winds. Brief rotation prompted this warning. Thankfully no damage has been reported. #CAwx https://t.co/kxjG3TD4MT
Rain, flooding, tornado warnings! The storm is still moving across Southern California. Join us NOW on Eyewitness News and streaming 24/7 on the FREE @ABC7 Los Angeles app! 🌧️📲 https://t.co/a8eFAq2G6p Share your videos & images #abc7eyewitness 📸 https://t.co/h3IZ8F20wf
Major street flooding in the Ventura, Oxnard, and Port Hueneme areas early Thursday morning as rain fell at 1-2 inches an hour and rescue personnel were stretched to the limit making rescues of dozens of people stranded in their vehicles https://t.co/ad5OQzDV60 https://t.co/mZukG3z2dS
This is an important message from The City of Oxnard. Many of the streets and intersections are heavily impacted by flooding. Please stay off the city streets for the next several hours until the water recedes. Standing water can cause vehicles to stall and may become trapped.
Busy morning in SoCal with 2 tornado warnings already and flash flooding on highway 126 near Kimball Rd. https://t.co/WpEwFjpSpT
Slow-moving Pacific storm threatens to bring California flooding and mudslides https://t.co/Ze6omUFKnq
#BREAKING : A flash flood warning is issued for parts of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Dangerous downpours drench the Southland. Now, the most concerning part of the storm will move in overnight. The critical forecast- Tonight at 11 from ABC7 https://t.co/bm0PrZfc3p https://t.co/TGllJdzAr3
Flooding remains a concern this evening across southern Monterey and San Benito Counties. Please travel carefully tonight as flooded roadways may become difficult to see at night. If you encounter flooded roadways turn around, don't drown! #cawx https://t.co/fiZwpE5CDF
Days before Christmas, a major storm is expected to bring dangerous travel conditions along California’s coast through Friday. The system could bring heavy rain, flooding and wind gusts up to 50 mph. @Ginger_Zee has the track. https://t.co/Krba2Vz80j https://t.co/KAocmAog2B
Heavier rain moves into Southern California. Live update: https://t.co/NejRW3yIPJ https://t.co/alBuCDjgcn
Heads up southern Monterey and San Benito Counties! Flood Warning through 7PM this evening. Watch out for water on roadways and for rapid rises on area streams. Travel carefully on 101 this evening. #cawx https://t.co/w02pSigMPW
The incoming Pacific storm will bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and a chance of thunderstorms to southern California today into Friday. For the most up-to-date information and tips to prepare, visit: https://t.co/6776XtdNcg or https://t.co/h9qDXdZrQw https://t.co/7MpMN93Xjc
ALERT! In Los Angeles County, heavy rain is affecting your drive! Slow down. Don't tailgate! Expect a lot of water on roadways and flooding in low areas through tonight. In some areas, expect significant roadway flooding. @NWSLosAngeles #CAwx https://t.co/d1GSeI7ouu
Showers will increase tonight, especially along the coast and San Gabriel mountains - main rain is expected to be widespread Thursday night and Friday with showers heavy at times and scattered thunderstorms - here are the expected rainfall totals for next 2 days #cawx #castorm https://t.co/oTfcwbIN2N
Slow-moving Pacific storm threatens California with flooding and mudslides https://t.co/67ZBcVNyQ2
Current radar indicates a broad & intensifying band of convective precipitation aligned w/ SLO/western Santa Barbara counties. This line will move *slowly* eastward & perhaps intensify even further, w/embedded thunderstorms, into this evening. Increasing flash flood risk. #CAwx https://t.co/OYZsFc3DCX
Increasingly concerned regarding potential for *significant* flash flood/debris flow risk later this PM into Thu across SB, Ventura, & LA County. Slow-moving/training convective bands, w/embedded thunderstorms & torrential downpours, will follow the initial gradual soaking. #CAwx https://t.co/YXRd6ntv9c
A Pacific storm off the West Coast will bring heavy to excessive rain to coastal southern California today through Friday. Heavy snow is also expected on the higher peaks of the Sierra Nevada and San San Bernardino County mountains. https://t.co/p1F6TfIuk9
Here's the latest thinking about rain timing and intensity for the current storm: - Moderate/heavy rain for #SoCal - Hydrologic issues likely (urban flooding, etc.) - Chance of thunderstorms #CAwx https://t.co/rDr7AUs2QF
Heavy rain and flooding advisories are hitting the Bay Area. Here's when worst conditions will be over: https://t.co/PfsPv2gbaP
Storm hits California: Here are the rain totals so far: https://t.co/AOBvZt7asM https://t.co/XY2z5lIEtN
Stunning satellite imagery of the slow-moving cut-off low that's delivered heavy rains to NorCal over the last 24 hours. This storm will move through SoCal over the next few days, bringing a significant flash flood risk, thunderstorms, and even short-lived tornadoes. https://t.co/JQW8oMTkfl
🌧️ Significant rainfall, gusty winds, snowfall and thunderstorms are possible in California in the next several days. Meteorologist @EricaLopezWX has an update. https://t.co/k075oM4jnd
☔️☔️Flood Watches are in place across Southern California through Thursday night with widespread 2-4 inch rainfall totals expected. Not an ideal situation for holiday travel, though the pattern will dry out by Christmas Eve ☀️🎄 https://t.co/d9HsnKoS59
The circulation of the closed upper low that is now offshore will control most of the precipitation and the coast has the greatest threat of heavy rainfall #castorm #cawx today starting with Santa Barbara (left image) and then slowly spread east tonight through Friday morning https://t.co/pa65Y7ewtH
We're keeping a close eye on California as a low pressure system slowly moves toward the coast. This system is directing a stream of moisture into southern California where flash and urban flooding and mud/debris flows will be a concern through Thursday. Turn around, don't drown! https://t.co/JkRnw410U5
The first of two storms is bringing rain to parts of the SoCal. In advance of the back-to-back systems, the @NWS issued a flood watch that will be in effect across LA County until Thursday night. Follow along for the latest: https://t.co/Snu3C8iF6d https://t.co/3CV7qvQHa1
A line of moderate to heavy rain is approaching the #CentralCoast Expect rain to intensify through the morning hours over #SanLuisObispo and #SantaBarbara Counties, with a high risk of road and creek flooding. #cawx https://t.co/nZ869zc2mR
If you haven't noticed yet: It's raining. 🌧️🌧️ Be safe, some of the roads are slick/dealing with flooding, and be smart. #CAwx https://t.co/8bSfBp0Xsn
Flood advisory issued for parts of Bay Area amid heavy rain https://t.co/VSaZnB8aR1
Heavy rainstorm forecast to trigger ‘numerous floods’ in Southern California. Four to 8 inches of rain are possible in the higher terrain, with about 2 to 4 inches in Los Angeles through Friday. Details from @HazardWriter ⬇️ https://t.co/10E676R6V4
West coast storm is diving south and will bring flooding rain to Southern #California in particular. 3” or more is possible. #cawx https://t.co/6WM0Hvvs3U
Pockets of heavier rain are soaking parts of the Bay Area this morning. Track the storm using our interactive radar: https://t.co/fbgwpb9IY5 https://t.co/tbq6lWm8aF
California weather forecast: Storm threatens LA with days of significant rain. https://t.co/Al7RyIgWEh Click the image to read more:
Animated sat-rad loop of the storm. 2-4” of rain expected in Southern California over the next several days. 🌧️ Live updates: https://t.co/kR2JMdKHoB https://t.co/0uCp25fRal
A storm system along the California coast will drive excessive rain, thunderstorms and even the possibility of waterspouts or tornadoes through Friday, with the worst conditions expected in Southern California from Wednesday afternoon into Thursday. https://t.co/5F3QevMpsT
This morning, @NOAA's #GOESWest 🛰️ is watching a storm system via its water vapor channel that is bringing bouts of heavy rain, mountain snow and gusty winds to parts of California. Wind Advisories and #Flood Watches are in effect for parts of the state. Latest:… https://t.co/V3sdqamGvh
Winter is about to roar into SoCal with a powerful storm. A flood watch is in effect as heavy rain is expected in just hours. Thunderstorms and flooding are possible. @ABC7LeslieLopez has the critical timing of the storm. This morning at 6 from ABC7 https://t.co/bm0PrZfc3p https://t.co/ljLyyqabpU
Watch for heavier rain returning this morning. We're tracking all the impacts and how long it'll last on Today in the Bay. https://t.co/KMhLRnbJIO https://t.co/m2MLdzWrOx
Heavy rain in California could prompt flooding and mud and rockslides ahead of the holidays. @WeatherChannel’s @StephanieAbrams breaks down the storm systems that could upend holiday travel. https://t.co/pXLtLLXGuO https://t.co/wK2IMdGFlx
3 AM radar update: Line of moderate to heavy rain showers offshore will soon move onshore in the coming hours as area of low pressure approaches the coast. N Bay getting solid rain over the last few hours, and heavier rain will impact more coastal areas later this morning. #CAwx https://t.co/taUfT58PZp