New Year’s Storm Targets Southern California With Widespread Rainfall Across Los Angeles, San Diego, and Coastal Counties
CALIFORNIA — A well-organized winter storm system is set to impact Southern California during New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, bringing widespread rainfall, locally heavy totals, and travel impacts across coastal, valley, and mountain communities, according to final forecast guidance.
Forecast maps issued by the Southern California Weather Force show this system arriving as part of a Raiden storm pattern, a setup known for delivering efficient, steady rainfall across large portions of the region rather than short-lived showers.
Rainfall Expected to Be Widespread and Long-Lasting
The rain maps indicate nearly all of Southern California will receive measurable precipitation as the storm moves through, with the heaviest rainfall concentrated along the coast and adjacent foothills.
Projected rainfall totals include:
- 2 to 3 inches across parts of Los Angeles County and nearby coastal zones
- 1 to 2 inches extending inland through valleys and lower elevations
- 0.50 to 1.00 inch across portions of San Bernardino, Riverside, and Ventura counties
- Lighter amounts farther east into desert regions
Localized totals above 3 inches are possible in favored upslope areas, especially near the Santa Monica Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, and coastal foothills.
Los Angeles and San Diego Areas Among the Hardest Hit
The most intense rainfall signal appears centered over the Los Angeles metro area, including Santa Monica, Long Beach, downtown Los Angeles, and surrounding communities, where rain rates may be sufficient to cause ponding on roadways and slowed travel.
Farther south, San Diego County is also expected to see steady rainfall, particularly along the coast and inland valleys, with totals generally ranging from 1 to 2 inches.
Why This Storm Pattern Is Concerning
The Raiden storm pattern favors persistent precipitation over several hours, increasing the risk for:
- Urban flooding
- Poor drainage issues
- Mud and debris flows in burn scar areas
- Hazardous driving conditions during holiday travel
While this system is not expected to produce widespread severe weather, the duration and coverage of rainfall raise impact concerns, especially during busy New Year travel periods.
Timing: New Year’s Eve Through New Year’s Day
Rain is expected to develop across Southern California on New Year’s Eve, becoming more widespread overnight and continuing through New Year’s Day. Periods of moderate to heavy rain are possible, particularly during the overnight hours when visibility is reduced.
Conditions should gradually improve after the storm exits late on New Year’s Day, though lingering showers may persist in some areas.
What Residents Should Prepare For
Residents across Southern California should be prepared for:
- Slower holiday travel due to wet roads
- Localized flooding in low-lying areas
- Reduced visibility during heavier rain
- Slick conditions on mountain and canyon roads
Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time and avoid flooded roadways.
As this storm approaches, forecast confidence remains high regarding widespread rain coverage, with exact totals varying by location.
Stay with WaldronNews.com for continued updates on the New Year’s storm, rainfall impacts, and weather developments across Southern California.