by Los Angeles, Calif. – Southern California is experiencing another round of rainfall starting Thursday afternoon, though meteorologists say it will not match the intensity of last weekend’s record-setting storm.
Record-Breaking Rainfall Last Weekend
Last weekend’s storm delivered historic totals across the region. In Santa Barbara, 8.42 inches of rain fell, shattering the previous November record of 6.95 inches set in 1965, according to National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Bryan Lewis. This marks the wettest November in Santa Barbara since 1941.
In downtown Los Angeles, 3.48 inches of rain fell, the highest November total since 1970 and the 12th highest November rainfall ever recorded in the area. Ventura County’s largest city recorded 5.83 inches, ranking as its third-highest November total.
Despite the heavy rainfall, Lewis confirmed that the region avoided major flooding, though there were minor issues, including fast winds, small debris flows, and downed trees and power lines.
Current Storm Outlook
The new storm is expected to taper off by Friday night in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. NWS forecasts anticipate 0.75 to 1.25 inches of rainfall between Thursday and Friday. While this is less than last weekend’s totals, saturated ground from previous storms could still cause localized hazards.
Officials are warning residents to be cautious of wet roads, minor flooding, traffic delays, rockslides, mudslides, and isolated downed trees or power outages. However, no widespread impacts are anticipated.
Storm Differences and Weather Patterns
Lewis explained that last weekend’s storm was driven by an atmospheric river, channeling tropical moisture from near Hawaii. In contrast, the current system follows a more conventional Pacific track, originating from the south of Alaska.
Even without heavy rain, the region has experienced colder-than-usual November temperatures. The NWS reported highs in the mid-to-upper 50s across much of Southern California on Thursday, with San Diego reaching 63 degrees.
Safety and Preparedness
Authorities urge residents to exercise caution while driving on wet roads and remain alert for minor flooding or falling debris. Monitoring local forecasts and following official advisories can help reduce risks during this period of ongoing rainfall.
Residents of Southern California: Stay safe during the rainy week. Share your experiences or tips for preparing for storms in the comments below to help your community stay informed and ready for the season.
