Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Southland Faces Flooding Threat as Autumn Storm Arrives

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to sweep across the Southland Wednesday as a strong autumn storm threatens flooding in vulnerable coastal and mountain communities.

The National Weather Service said the storm was expected to reach Los Angeles County by Wednesday afternoon, with the heaviest rainfall anticipated Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

“The system is starting to turn the corner and head east and seems to be on track for a relatively on time arrival … by afternoon in LA County,” according to an NWS forecast discussion issued Tuesday.

Forecasters said rainfall totals across much of Los Angeles County could average about 1.5 inches, with 2 to 3 inches possible in areas where terrain enhances rainfall and in locations hit by thunderstorms.

Flooding could occur in urban and poor-drainage areas, with extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers possible.

“Also, there is a small (5% or less) chance of a weak tornado as the upper low moves inland late Wednesday night into Thursday morning,” according to the NWS.

The storm will bring cooler temperatures following several days of unusually hot weather and powerful Santa Ana winds. Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be cloudy and cool, with daytime highs generally in the mid-60s to lower 70s across much of Los Angeles County.

Dry weather is expected to return Friday, followed by another round of offshore Santa Ana winds over the weekend.

The NWS said the upcoming Santa Ana event would be weaker than last week’s, with wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph possible, strongest in the mountains.

Temperatures are expected to rebound into the upper 70s and 80s across most coastal and valley areas over the weekend, forecasters said.