Heavy Rain and Flooding Threat Build Overnight Across Los Angeles County and Surrounding Areas

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — A powerful Pacific storm system is bringing heavy rain and potential flooding to Los Angeles County and neighboring areas tonight into Saturday morning, with forecasters warning residents to prepare for hazardous travel conditions and possible flash flooding.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), rainfall rates could reach up to one inch per hour, with an additional 2–3 inches of accumulation expected across the Los Angeles Basin, including Long Beach, Inglewood, Santa Ana, and Anaheim.

Rainfall Intensifies Overnight Across Los Angeles Region

Meteorologists say the main band of heavy rain will move into the area late Friday night and persist into early Saturday morning. The heaviest rain is expected along the coastal plains and foothills, where the warm, moisture-rich air from the Pacific meets cooler inland temperatures.

“This storm system has strong subtropical moisture support, meaning the rainfall intensity will remain high through the overnight hours,” forecasters said.

Rainfall totals are expected to vary by location:

• Los Angeles & Long Beach: 2–3 inches
• Santa Monica & Glendale: 1.5–2.5 inches
• Anaheim & Santa Ana: Up to 3 inches
• Inland areas like Ontario and Corona: 1–2 inches

Flooding Risk Rising in Low-Lying and Burn Areas

The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office issued multiple flood advisories, warning that urban flooding could occur in poorly drained intersections, underpasses, and low-lying neighborhoods.

Areas near Santa Monica, Inglewood, and Huntington Beach may see standing water on roadways by early Saturday morning.
Officials also expressed concern for recent burn scar regions in the Angeles National Forest, where even modest rainfall can trigger mudslides or debris flows.

“Residents in hillside and canyon areas should remain alert through the night and be ready to evacuate if conditions worsen,” meteorologists said.

Travel Hazards Expected for Morning Commute

Commuters across Southern California are urged to plan ahead, as reduced visibility, ponding on freeways, and hydroplaning risks are expected during early morning hours.

Transportation officials have advised drivers to avoid flooded intersections and never attempt to drive through standing water, even if it appears shallow.

The California Highway Patrol is also on alert for potential road closures, especially along the Pacific Coast Highway, the 110 Freeway near downtown Los Angeles, and stretches of the 405 through Long Beach.

Storm Timing and Expected Conditions

Forecasters say rainfall will peak between 10 p.m. Friday and 4 a.m. Saturday, gradually tapering to lighter showers by mid-morning. A secondary cold front could bring brief but intense bursts of rain early Saturday before the system moves east.

Once the main storm passes, cooler air will settle over the region, with daytime highs dropping into the 50s and low 60s through the weekend.

Meteorologists are also watching for possible isolated thunderstorms offshore, which could briefly enhance rainfall rates and lead to localized flooding.

Emergency Preparedness and Safety Guidance

Officials are urging residents to:

• Avoid driving through flooded areas and underpasses.
• Keep emergency kits and sandbags ready if you live in flood-prone zones.
• Stay tuned to local alerts and the National Weather Service for updates overnight.
• Move vehicles to higher ground and clear gutters to reduce flood impact.

Looking Ahead

After the storm exits by Saturday afternoon, drier and cooler weather is expected to return by Sunday. However, forecasters say this active weather pattern could persist, with another potential rain system arriving early next week.

Authorities continue to stress vigilance overnight, particularly for residents in flood-prone or burn-scarred areas.

How is your neighborhood preparing for the overnight rainfall in Los Angeles County? Share your experiences and stay updated with weather alerts at NapervilleLocal.com.