A powerful storm was bearing down on Pasadena Wednesday, bringing the possibility of 2 to 4 inches of rain.
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Pasadena from Wednesday night through Thursday afternoon, cautioning that significant flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.
Rain will start lightly on Wednesday morning with precipitation ranging from one-tenth to a quarter-inch per hour in some areas, according to the National Weather Service. But by Wednesday afternoon, the rain will increase steadily, with downpours continuing into Thursday and reaching an inch per hour in some locations.
The “peak intensity” of the storm is expected to be Thursday morning.
“These rates and amounts could cause significant flash flooding or debris flows across the region in and outside of recent burn scars with significant small stream and urban flooding possible,” according to the NWS.
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.
A City spokesperson said the Pasadena Fire Dept. will staff at higher than regular levels Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Pasadena joined Caltrans officials in cautioning motorists statewide to stay off the roads if possible.
“Caltrans districts statewide are coordinating with local & state officials to assist with this latest storm system. TRAVEL IS NOT RECOMMENDED,” the agency tweeted Tuesday.
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.”
Pasadena residents affected by the storm should call 911 if in imminent danger. For non-emergency situations including downed trees, call 626-744-4241 or the Citizen Service Center at 626-744-4331.
The rain will be accompanied by gusting winds in the Southland. Gusts were expected to reach 55 mph in the mountains Wednesday afternoon, 60 mph after midnight, and 50 mph in the Antelope Valley. A wind advisory will be in effect in Orange County from 2 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, with winds of 15 to 25 mph possible, including gusts of up to 40 mph, according to the NWS.
Forecasters said wind watches could be issued in Los Angeles County mountains and deserts as the storm develops.
“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.
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 six 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.
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 rain water 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.”
Here are details of the forecast from the NWS, issued Wednesday morning at 3:09 a.m.:
Wednesday: Rain. High near 58. Southeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Wednesday Night: Rain. Low around 50. Southeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Thursday: Rain, mainly before 4 p.m. High near 57. Breezy, with a southeast wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Thursday Night: A 40 percent chance of rain before 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming southeast after midnight.
Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 60.
Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 63.
Saturday Night: A slight chance of rain after 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Sunday: A chance of rain before 4 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63.
Sunday Night: A slight chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48.
Monday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65.
Monday Night: A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a low around 50.
Tuesday: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65.
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