Flood watches and evacuation warnings are in effect for parts of Los Angeles County as a storm moved into Southern California at the start of a week with several days of wet weather in the forecast.
The brunt of the storm is expected Monday with showers early before heavier rain developing in the afternoon.
Here’s what to expect with this week’s weather.
Rain and snow timeline
This first storm is expected to be the heaviest with rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches in coastal and valley areas and 2 to 5 inches in the mountains by late Monday.
Heavy rain moved into Ventura County after dawn, triggering a severe thunderstorm warning. That system will arrive in Los Angeles County later Monday and continue into the afternoon.
Strong winds, including possible brief and weak tornadoes, are in the forecast.
“This is the line of storms that has the potential to bring us some severe weather and that small risk for potential tornadoes,” said NBCLA meteorologist Belen De Leon.
A flood watch was issued for a widespread parts of Los Angeles County from Monday morning through Monday evening. Rock and mud slides are possible near steep terrain, and debris flows are possible on burn scars.
Rainfall is expected to decrease in intensity Monday night into Tuesday, though scattered showers could linger as colder air moves into the region.
Tornadoes are rare, but not unheard of during severe weather in Southern California, where a weak and brief tornado formed in Boyle Heights on Christmas Day.
A tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by weather radar. Anyone in the warning area should immediately seek shelter. Basements or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows are the safes locations. A tornado watch indicates weather conditions that could lead to the formation of a tornado.
A storm is arriving today and expected to bring heavy rain and potential for flash flooding. Lauren Coronado reports for the NBC4 News at 4 a.m. on Feb. 16, 2026.
Snow levels are forecast to drop from around 6,500 feet early in the storm to near 5,000 feet Tuesday.
A second storm system is expected to arrive Tuesday night into Wednesday, bringing colder temperatures and the potential for additional rain and mountain snow. An additional 1.5 to 3 inches of rain is likely on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a possibility of 3 to 6 inches of total rain in the mountains.
Temperatures will drop beginning Monday with highs remaining in the mid-50s. Overnight lows will be in the 40s in most areas, but will drop into the 30s in the mountains, Santa Clarita Valley and the high desert from Tuesday to Friday.
Evacuation warnings in LA County
Evacuation warnings, meaning people should prepare for the possibility of evacuation orders, go into effect for some properties near recent wildfire burn areas area Sunday night through Tuesday morning due to the threat of debris and mud flows. Evacuation warning areas include the Canyon, Bethany, Eaton, Palisades, Kenneth, Sunset, Lidia, Hurst, Franklin, and Bridge fires zones.
The NWS said anyone near vulnerable areas was “urged to start taking precautions now,” adding that “severe weather, including small tornadoes, 60 mph winds and one-inch-per-hour rain rates” are possible.
City News Service contributed to this report.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
No responses yet