SoCal Braces for Valentine's Week Deluge

A series of storm systems is bringing significant wet weather to Southern California starting Monday, February 16. Following a period of elevated temperatures, the region can anticipate widespread heavy rain, particularly on Monday. Ventura County will likely see rain by Sunday night, February 15, with the Los Angeles metro area experiencing it late Sunday or early Monday, February 16. San Diego can expect midday rain on Monday.

This initial storm is forecast to deliver six to ten hours of substantial rainfall, possibly accompanied by coastal and valley wind gusts. More showers are expected overnight Monday and into Tuesday, February 17. Meteorologists do not anticipate damaging winds or power outages, but Monday is likely to see the main impacts, including localized flooding and hazardous conditions on roadways, especially in areas affected by recent wildfires.

From Tuesday, February 18, through Wednesday, February 19, Southern Californians should prepare for chilly and damp weather. Thunderstorms are also a possibility, particularly near the coast, from Monday through Wednesday. Rainfall totals could reach two to three inches in Los Angeles and Riverside by Thursday, February 20, with Santa Barbara potentially seeing up to six inches. Snow levels are predicted to drop significantly in the San Bernardino Mountains by Wednesday, February 19, potentially reaching 3,000 feet, which may cause hazardous travel conditions on mountain routes like Interstate 5.