Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2005 11:47:13 EST Subject: Check out Weather Underground: Los Angeles, California Forecast Click here: Weat Statement as of 8:30 AM PST on January 07, 2005 ... Flash flood watches continue for southwestern California... A Flash Flood Watch for San Luis Obispo County remains in effect until 4 PM PST today. A Flash Flood Watch for Santa Barbara County remains in effect until 4 PM PST Sunday... Flash Flood Watch for Ventura and Los Angeles counties remains in effect until 4 PM PST Sunday... A Flash Flood Watch means that flash flooding is possible... but not imminent... in the watch area. People in these areas should stay abreast of the latest developments and be prepared to take immediate action if a warning is issued or flooding is encountered. A series of Pacific storm systems will move through the region through Sunday. The first band of heavy rainfall was crossing the area this morning... with heaviest rain for the balance of the day expected over Santa Barbara... Ventura and Los Angeles counties. A second band of rain will likely impact the area Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. Rainfall totals for the weekend are forecast to range from 3 to 6 inches for coastal and valley areas... with 5 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. Storm totals so far for this storm have been as much as 2 inches over the western Santa Ynez mountain range. Flash flooding is possible along small streams and in low lying areas. Street and roadway flooding is 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 should 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. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your favorite media source for the latest information on this developing weather situation. her Underground: Los Angeles, California Forecast