The National Weather Service said Pasadena will see showers before 10 a.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., then a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms after 4 pm. Some of the squalls could produce heavy rainfall. The chance of precipitation in Pasadena is 100%, the NWS said.
Wind gusts up to 25 mph are also likely, the NWS said.
Light to moderate rain fell across most of the Southland Wednesday as residents braced for the brunt of the “bomb cyclone” moving across the state, with forecasters saying the full force of the storm should hit Los Angeles County early Thursday morning.
“A strong Pacific storm system will affect the area through Thursday with strong winds, damaging surf, heavy rain with flooding and high elevation snow,” according to the National Weather Service.
The main plume of the storm was expected to push into Los Angeles County around 4 a.m. Thursday, according to the NWS, which said most areas will receive “around six hours of steady moderate to heavy rain.” Most areas will receive a total of 2 to 4 inches of rain, forecasters said, while the mountains and foothills could get 4 to 8 inches — with isolated spots possibly seeing 10 inches of precipitation.
Rain rates will peak at 0.5 to 1 inch per hour, although “isolated rates” of 1.25 inches per hour are possible.
The NWS issued a flood watch that will be in effect through Thursday afternoon over the bulk of the Southland, including Pasadena.
The rain will be accompanied by gusting winds. Wind advisories will be in effect for the bulk of the area until 10 a.m. Thursday, with winds of 15 to 25 mph expected in Pasadena.
“There will be many potential problems associated with this storm system including urban and small stream flooding, rocks and debris on roads, downed trees and numerous power outages, and mud and debris flows out of recent burn areas,” according to the NWS.
The dire storm predictions have led to ramped-up preparations across the Southland.
Meanwhile, City and Caltrans officials cautioned motorists statewide to stay off the roads if possible.
City spokesperson Lisa Derderian said that if travel during this time can be avoided then it’s recommended — and if you need to commute allow extra time and patience.”
Caltrans tweeted Tuesday, “Caltrans districts statewide are coordinating with local & state officials to assist with this latest storm system. TRAVEL IS NOT RECOMMENDED.”
Many Southland cities also handed out sandbags to residents to help them protect their properties from potential flooding and mud flows.
Two Pasadena Fire Stations are offering free sand and sandbags to residents for anti-flooding efforts: Fire Station 37 at 3430 E. Foothill Blvd. in East Pasadena, and Fire Station 38, at 1150 Linda Vista Ave. in West Pasadena. Up to 10 bags are available per resident. Fire personnel are available to assist with loading if they’re not responding to a call.
Gov. Gavin Newsom, meanwhile, declared a state of emergency across California to expedite anticipated damage repair. The state also pre-positioned fire and rescue crews across the state to quickly respond to flooding or other emergencies.
The state urged residents to be prepared for the storm, and anticipate power outages by having flashlights and batteries on hand.
The NWS warned that “many power outages are nearly certain, and could be prolonged by the concurrent heavy rain. Plan ahead now for what you would do if the power was out for several hours.”
Derderian offered some cautionary practical advice to Pasadenans.
“Although we have a robust power system it’s always wise for all hazards to make sure you have working flashlights and an alternate way to charge your electronic devices should you lose power. Cover any potential leak areas now and not when the rain starts. Do NOT put trash cans or discard Christmas trees curbside where they can become a hazard if excess rainwater carries them downstream,” she said.
“Don’t wait under the storm to be prepared, check your disaster supplies now, make sure your car is running efficiently and don’t underestimate what just a small amount of running water can cause trying to cross it or drive in it! Don’t risk it.”
Conditions are expected to dry out by Thursday night, continuing into Friday. A series of “weak disturbances” are anticipated over the weekend, but “there will likely be drier and less cloudy intervals in between the clouds and rain,” forecasters said.
Temperatures, meanwhile, will remain about 6 degrees cooler than normal through the weekend.
More rain was in the forecast early next week, with a chance of showers Sunday through Tuesday, according to the NWS.
Here is the detailed NWWS forecast for Pasadena issued at 3:08 Thursday:
Thursday: Showers before 10 a.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., then a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms after 4 pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 59. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain before 10 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. North northwest wind around 5 mph.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 62. East wind around 5 mph becoming south in the morning.
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 44. North northeast wind around 5 mph.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 64.
Saturday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain after 4 am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Sunday: A chance of rain, mainly before 10 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60.
Sunday Night: A chance of rain, mainly after 4 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.
Monday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63.
Monday Night: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.
Tuesday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 61.
Tuesday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 60.
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