LA on high alert as heavy rainfall expected for Christmas holiday – NBC Los Angeles

Southland residents making plans for the holiday may want to ensure they’ll be indoors, or armed with an umbrella, with forecasters predicting a Pineapple Express storm that will dump several inches of rain across most of the region.

Rain is expected to arrive in multiple waves starting late Tuesday and continuing through Saturday, with varying amounts each day, according to NBC4 Meteorologist Belen De Leon.The system will tap into an atmospheric river, bringing enhanced moisture and high snow levels.

The storm will gift the heaviest rainfall on Christmas Eve, with periods of moderate to heavy rain likely. Possible hazards include flooding concerns, hazardous mountain conditions and could cause major travel disruptions.

The forecast prompted city officials on Friday to take preparations for the expected rainfall.

The first blast of rain could drop anywhere from 1 to 3 inches of rain in many areas, with mountains receiving up to 5 inches.

The second round of precipitation could drop another 1 to 2.5 inches, with another 4 inches possible in the mountains. Snow levels will also fall to about 6,000 feet.

“As for winds, strong and gusty southeasterly winds are likely, beginning Tuesday and continuing through Christmas Day,” according to the NWS. “The peak winds look to occur on Christmas Eve. There is a good chance that many areas will have at least advisory-level winds with some mountain areas possibly getting warning-level gusts. Overall, next week looks to be a very soggy and impactful holiday week. Given the significant amount of rainfall, there will likely be widespread hydrologic issues, including potential for mud and debris flows and widespread urban flooding. Also, there could be some significant winter weather issues up in the mountains. So, if traveling on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, be prepared for impactful weather.”