Los Angeles braces for rare tornado threat as major storm brings heavy rain, flash flood warnings

Los Angeles is bracing for a major storm that could bring heavy rain, flash flooding, powerful wind gusts and a rare tornado threat to Southern California from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday.

A strong low-pressure system moving south from the Pacific Northwest is expected to bring widespread rainfall across the region, including Los Angeles, Ventura County and coastal communities. Most areas could receive between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain, while some locations near the Santa Ynez and Santa Monica Mountains could see totals of up to 3 inches, as per a report of CBS News.

The National Weather Service has issued flood watches for communities in the storm's path, with forecasters warning that heavy rainfall could trigger flash flooding and debris flows, particularly in areas affected by recent wildfires.


Although tornadoes are uncommon in Southern California, meteorologists are monitoring the possibility of severe weather as the storm approaches the coast.

Los Angeles tornado threat: What forecasters are saying

The National Weather Service has placed parts of the California coastline, stretching from Monterey to Orange County, under a marginal risk for severe weather. The threat includes isolated thunderstorms capable of producing wind gusts of around 60 mph and the possibility of a tornado, reported the New York Post.

According to CBS Los Angeles climatologist Marina Jurica, the heaviest rainfall is expected to arrive late Wednesday and continue into Thursday morning.

Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist, said rainfall projections were increasing as the system approached. “Late Wednesday morning through late Thursday morning will probably be the peak of it,” Lewis said.

Downtown Los Angeles could receive between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain. If the forecast holds, the rainfall could make October the city's wettest since 2009.

The heaviest precipitation is expected near the Santa Ynez and Santa Monica Mountains, where localized totals could reach 3 inches.

The storm is also expected to bring cooler temperatures, with daytime highs generally ranging from the upper 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit.

Flash flooding warning

The U.S. Geological Survey Heavy rain falling over recently burned landscapes can increase the risk of mud and debris flows. These events can carry rocks, soil and other material downhill, potentially damaging homes, roads and other infrastructure.

The U.S. Geological Survey has warned of the dangers associated with debris flows in wildfire-affected areas, where damaged vegetation and altered soil conditions can make slopes more vulnerable during intense rainfall.

Communities near burn scars and mountainous terrain face particular risks as the storm moves through the region.

Authorities are monitoring the situation and preparing for possible emergency responses. Residents in vulnerable areas should follow local alerts and be prepared to act if evacuation orders are issued.

The storm is arriving amid concerns about warmer-than-normal Pacific Ocean temperatures and the influence of El Niño conditions on California's weather.

Warmer ocean waters can supply additional heat and moisture to storm systems, although the precise contribution of El Niño to this particular storm requires further meteorological assessment.

The approaching system is expected to affect a broad stretch of the California coast, from areas around Monterey and Big Sur to Santa Barbara, Malibu, Long Beach and Newport Beach.