Los Angeles, California — A potent storm system sweeping across Southern California has already delivered significant rainfall to large parts of the region, with mountain and foothill communities recording the highest totals so far. As of early Thursday afternoon, rain gauges across Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange counties showed widespread accumulations ranging from over an inch in urban areas to more than five inches in higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters say the storm’s most impactful phase is unfolding through Thursday, with only a brief break expected before another system brings additional rain this weekend, raising concerns about runoff, flooding, and impacts near burn-scar areas.
Heaviest rain focused on Los Angeles County mountains
Los Angeles County has seen some of the highest rainfall totals from the storm so far, particularly in mountainous and foothill locations where upslope flow has enhanced precipitation.
As measured just after 1 p.m. Thursday, the highest totals in L.A. County include:
- Crystal Lake: 5.28 inches
- San Gabriel Dam: 3.74 inches
- Mount Baldy: 3.46 inches
- Morris Dam: 3.30 inches
- Tanbark: 2.84 inches
- Mt. Olive High School: 2.81 inches
- Eaton Dam: 2.50 inches
- Camp 9: 2.47 inches
- Mount Wilson: 2.41 inches
- Newhall: 2.40 inches
Lower elevations still saw notable rainfall, underscoring the widespread nature of the storm:
- Eagle Rock: 2.26 inches
- Bel Air: 2.20 inches
- Beverly Hills: 2.07 inches
- Downtown Los Angeles: 1.74 inches
- Hollywood: 1.72 inches
- Culver City: 1.21 inches
- Canoga Park: 1.22 inches
Meteorologists note that totals in the mountains are especially important, as runoff from higher terrain can quickly impact downstream communities.
Ventura County also sees widespread soaking
Ventura County recorded another round of heavy rainfall, with several locations approaching or exceeding three inches. The heaviest totals were again concentrated in elevated terrain.
Notable Ventura County totals include:
- Old Man Mountain: 3.78 inches
- Nordhoff Ridge: 3.31 inches
- Sycamore Canyon: 2.68 inches
- Matilija Dam: 2.19 inches
- Alamo Mountain: 2.02 inches
- Lake Piru: 1.79 inches
- Rocky Peak: 1.73 inches
- Thousand Oaks: 1.72 inches
Lower valley locations still picked up meaningful rainfall:
- Piru: 1.45 inches
- Station Canyon: 1.31 inches
- Circle X Ranch: 1.30 inches
- Stewart Canyon: 1.26 inches
- Cheeseboro: 1.20 inches
Forecasters say Ventura County remains vulnerable to localized flooding and roadway ponding, particularly in canyon areas and near recent burn scars.
Orange County rain totals steadily climb
Rainfall totals across Orange County continued to climb through Thursday morning, with several canyon and foothill areas nearing or exceeding two inches.
Reported totals include:
- Upper Harding Canyon: 2.32 inches
- Upper Silverado Canyon: 2.24 inches
- Brea: 1.97 inches
- Indian Canyon: 1.96 inches
- Orange County Reservoir: 1.93 inches
- Holy Jim Canyon: 1.79 inches
- Anaheim: 1.73 inches
- Fullerton Creek: 1.70 inches
- Brea Olinda: 1.34 inches
- Garden Grove: 1.26 inches
While these totals are lower than those seen in the mountains of Los Angeles County, officials say urban flooding and fast-rising creeks remain possible, especially if rainfall rates intensify.
Inland Empire totals still being updated
Rainfall totals for the Inland Empire were still being updated Thursday morning. Preliminary data from late Wednesday night indicated that some locations were already approaching two inches of rain by 9:45 p.m., suggesting totals may rise further as updated measurements are released.
Forecasters expect additional reports later Thursday as the storm continues to move east.
Storm not finished yet
According to meteorologists, Thursday represents the brunt of this storm system, with steady rain continuing across much of Southern California throughout the day. While rainfall intensity may ease at times, periodic heavier bursts remain possible.
A brief improvement is expected Friday, offering some short-lived relief. However, forecasters caution that this break will be temporary.
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Another storm system is expected to arrive this weekend, bringing another round of rain that could compound impacts from already saturated ground.
Flooding and runoff concerns remain elevated
With soils becoming increasingly saturated, officials are urging residents to remain alert for:
- Roadway ponding and flooding
- Rising creeks and streams
- Mud and debris flows, especially near burn-scar areas
- Hazardous travel conditions during heavier rain
Even moderate additional rainfall this weekend could trigger problems in vulnerable locations.
What residents should watch for next
Emergency officials recommend that residents:
- Avoid driving through flooded roadways
- Monitor local weather alerts and updates
- Prepare for possible travel delays
- Stay clear of fast-moving water near creeks and channels
Southern California’s wet pattern is helping boost seasonal rainfall totals, but forecasters stress that back-to-back storms increase the risk of cumulative impacts, especially in mountainous and urban areas.
As the region braces for more rain in the days ahead, officials emphasize that conditions can change quickly.
Have you seen heavy rain or flooding where you live? Share your local rainfall totals and conditions in the comments, and help others stay informed as this storm system continues to impact Southern California.
