Los Angeles, Batten The Hatches (or Weather Vibes, please...)

So, it seems we really are in an El Nino year...I had my doubts, but no longer. (And despite my title, the storm is expected to affect the entire California coast...)

There is a huge, slow moving storm centered off the California coast. While we still have variable high clouds with some blue skies peeking through, we will (not "may be." Will...) be having a significant "rain event" starting tonight.

It is expected that, between 8 pm tonight and Saturday morning (around 6, from what I understand), between 8-10 inches of rain will fall, along with flooding, high winds (gusts in excess of 60 miles per hour), thunderstorms, hail, and heavy snow (measured in feet...not even foot, but feet...) in the higher elevations.

The difference between "watches" and "warnings" are watches means it's possible. Warning means it's happening.

The current warnings in effect are:
~Flash flood warning
~Flooded streets and rivers
~High Wind (knocking over trees and patio furniture...)
~Freeze/Ice/Snow (in applicable areas)
~Mudslides
~High surf/Tidal flooding

The current watches in effect are:
~Tornado
~Aviation/Water Craft danger
~Storm Damage (meaning storm is likely to cause serious damage and possible death....)

I'm not looking forward to this. I usually love weather, but because I'm still so sick, and tomorrow is the first day back at the office all week, I am not looking forward to this at all. Add to that my office building has a bad habit of losing trees during a storm, killing cars, and the fact that there will be significant damage done by this storm elsewhere in my area, and I just wish I could stay in bed.

Anyway, I suppose this post is boring to those who're not here....but I think we could use some "survive the storm" vibes, as well as please bring all pets indoors, secure your patio furniture, and don't park near trees!!!

Best-
Michele

Oh dear! Stay safe stay and warm, and plenty of vibes heading your way!

Holy cow Michele! That sounds horrid!

When Earl went out to LA last summer, his friends said they couldn't remember the last time they had rain, and were really wishing it would rain. Be careful what you wish for!

That much rain at any time is bad, but on top of all of the rain you guys have gotten in the past few weeks makes it even worse.

Everyone in the area, please stay safe!

Stay safe.

Originally Posted by noni

So, it seems we really are in an El Nino year...I had my doubts, but no longer. (And despite my title, the storm is expected to affect the entire California coast...)

There is a huge, slow moving storm centered off the California coast. While we still have variable high clouds with some blue skies peeking through, we will (not "may be." Will...) be having a significant "rain event" starting tonight.

It is expected that, between 8 pm tonight and Saturday morning (around 6, from what I understand), between 8-10 inches of rain will fall, along with flooding, high winds (gusts in excess of 60 miles per hour), thunderstorms, hail, and heavy snow (measured in feet...not even foot, but feet...) in the higher elevations.

The difference between "watches" and "warnings" are watches means it's possible. Warning means it's happening.

The current warnings in effect are:
~Flash flood warning
~Flooded streets and rivers
~High Wind (knocking over trees and patio furniture...)
~Freeze/Ice/Snow (in applicable areas)
~Mudslides
~High surf/Tidal flooding

The current watches in effect are:
~Tornado
~Aviation/Water Craft danger
~Storm Damage (meaning storm is likely to cause serious damage and possible death....)

I'm not looking forward to this. I usually love weather, but because I'm still so sick, and tomorrow is the first day back at the office all week, I am not looking forward to this at all. Add to that my office building has a bad habit of losing trees during a storm, killing cars, and the fact that there will be significant damage done by this storm elsewhere in my area, and I just wish I could stay in bed.

Anyway, I suppose this post is boring to those who're not here....but I think we could use some "survive the storm" vibes, as well as please bring all pets indoors, secure your patio furniture, and don't park near trees!!!

Best-
Michele

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Dear Michele, UGH UGH UGH, thanks for the warning, I live above Redding and after reading your post, bailed long enough to check the storm warnings for my area, looks like we might get snowed in , not to mention high winds and I-5 closing down. Last year we didn't have power for 4 DAYS because of the snow knocking out the power lines and didn't have water for three days. I live sorta out in the boonies so have satellite and no local forcast on TV. Didn't even know about the storm till just now when I read your post. I am sending good thoughts, prayers and vibes that you make it through this ok, as it looks as though your area will be hit even harder than mine, although with rain wind, and tides instead of winds and snow. Please keep us advised about how you are doing if you can, although if our power goes out, I won't be able to check until I have some. Hugs.

Oh no Michele! Not again!
Please stay safe (and GET WELL) and I will be thinking about you until its over!

Just to get a bit of perspective...

http://www.goes.noaa.gov/WCIR3.html is a satillite photo of the storm. If you consider the size of CA, you'll see how large it really is. Yellow/Red means heavy rain.

Sigh...

Thanks for the well wishes. I got all the trash out, and that's about all I can do to get ready. I've got no patio furniture....

Best-
Michele

Yeah, down here in San Diego they told us to prepare for power outages, mudslides, downed trees, and floods. DH went back to the apartment after we moved out and trees were down all over there after the last storm.

Ugh. After going through one hurricane after another last fall, I don't wish anything similar on anyone. Stay safe, Californians.

down here in San Diego they told us to prepare for power outages, mudslides, downed trees, and floods.

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Same up here. 'Course, I have my entire earthquake kit (which would feed a small army for a week) so I'm good to go. [My earthquake kit is rather impressive, if I say so myself; everything up to and including lamps, water purifier tablets, heavy plastic/duct tape and extra medications...]

We are so saturated already there's going to be lots of mud/rock slides and tree downing. I just hope there are no deaths, you know?

And CarolCat, I'm glad I could help. Be ready; your area won't be as "hard" hit as we will, but we won't get snow (here in the city at least).

Best-
Michele

It isn't raining here yet. I expect it soon. I asked if I could stay home from work tomorrow, but no such luck. I get paid tomorrow, so of course I have to do some grocery shopping. I don't have to go out on the freeway to do that. Fortunately I have enough cat food, because that does mean a freeway trip and people here only are able to slow down to 70 or so when it rains and there will be 150 accidents in an hour. I heard on the news that it is actually three storms, one from the north, one from the west and one from the south. Becky

There are three separate ones. This first storm, though, is the wonker. It' from the south, and the pressure system bringing it in will also swing the one in the west and north towards us, Sunday and Monday.

It might get really bad. If the rain is as bad as they expect from this first one, we will be so saturated there will be nowhere at all for any more to go. Which means floods like we haven't seen in 20 years (or longer...)

Best-
Michele

I don't want to go to work tomorrow. But I have to. At least no freeways. I hope you don't have to venture out. Keep your feets dry. Becky
PS: Are you over your bronchitis?

Have you LA residents bought umbrellas yet? And waders, kayaks, snorkeling gear, or arm floats?

Wow, it looks nasty on that satellite photo. I feel sorry for you all. I hate to go out in pouring rain. Be safe...

Originally Posted by noni

....as well as please bring all pets indoors, secure your patio furniture, and don't park near trees!!!

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ok. ok! Michele, please bring all your pets indoors, secure your patio furniture and don't park near trees!

We awoke to snow this morning and are expecting more tonight and through the weekend with wind in these them foothills!

Stay warm sweets!

-E.

Have you LA residents bought umbrellas yet? And waders, kayaks, snorkeling gear, or arm floats?

Wow, it looks nasty on that satellite photo. I feel sorry for you all. I hate to go out in pouring rain. Be safe...

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I've got two. One in my car, and one at the door. I will be using them tomorrow....no doubt. As for arm floats, that's not a bad idea. I need those big floaters for my car, though.

ok. ok! Michele, please bring all your pets indoors, secure your patio furniture and don't park near trees!

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LOL at you. I am a little worried about a feral who I feed daily...but she'll make it through. I just worry about her. Other than that, all animals are indoors (always), I've got not patio furniture, and I promise I won't park near trees. deal?

Enjoy that snow!

Best-
Michele

I'm not looking forward to the storm at all! It never ceases to amaze me how recklessly some people in San Diego drive, even during the worst weather! I grew up near Seattle so I'm used to lots of rain, but I still haven't adjusted to the way San Diegans deal with it.

Originally Posted by noni

LOL at you. I am a little worried about a feral who I feed daily...but she'll make it through. I just worry about her. Other than that, all animals are indoors (always), I've got not patio furniture, and I promise I won't park near trees. deal?

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ooohhhhoooo, a little one.... pulled on my heartstrings there. How good you are to care for her. I'd be worried too!

How good you are to care for her. I'd be worried too!

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How good she is to let me! I can't touch her or I'd've trapped and rehomed her. I think she's either Charlotte's sister or daughter. Identical faces, identical eyes, long hair, and different coloring (tortie). But I make sure she's not hungry, nor thirsty, and I try to make sure she's got somewhere to stay (I get the crawlspace screen down if somone puts it back in place...). She's good, and she likes being outside, and she's got all the food she wants, so it's all right.

I was just checking the latest weather warnings...here it is.

"A series of Pacific storm systems will move through the region
beginning tonight and continuing through Sunday. The first wave of
heavy rainfall is expected late tonight and Friday... with a second
wave likely Saturday afternoon through early Sunday morning. Rainfall
totals for the weekend are forecast to range from 3 to 6 inches for
coastal valley areas... with 8 to 10 inches in the foothills and
mountains... and local totals of up to 15 inches along some of the
orographically favored south facing slopes.

Rainfall rates during the peak periods of the storm may exceed one inch
per hour. Given the large amounts of rain that have already fallen
across Southern California during the last several days... the
additional expected rainfall has the potential to cause serious
flooding problems. Flash flooding will be possible along small streams
and in low lying areas. Street and roadway flooding will be very
likely in the normally flood prone areas. Significant rises are
expected on area mainstem rivers... including the Los Angeles... San
Gabriel... Santa Clara... Ventura... Santa Ynez and Salinas rivers.

Mudslides and debris flows will be a significant threat with this
storm as well. The mudslide potential will be highest in and below the
recently burned areas... but all residents living on or near hillsides
or mountain slopes need to be prepared for possible mudslides and
debris flows.

Southern California residents... especially those who live in low
lying areas... near rivers or streams... or in or below the recently
burned areas are urged to take The Steps necessary as soon as possible
to protect their property. Persons in the watch area should remain
alert and follow directions of emergency preparedness officials.
Evacuations should begin immediately without waiting for instructions
if heavy flows of water or mud are observed."

I work next to a branch of the Los Angeles River. In the last few storms, the river has come to within 4 feet of the banks...and this is going to be a more wet storm, from what I can see.

Oy.

Best-
Michele