The San Gabriel Mountains as seen from Altadena (Photo – W.K.)
Greater Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley residents are being urged to prepare for ongoing Santa Ana winds, which are expected to continue through Saturday afternoon. These winds come on the heels of a series of storms that have brought near-record to record-breaking rainfall across the region, leaving the ground saturated and increasing the risk of downed trees.
By News Desk
With recent rains that have soaked the soil, the risk of trees toppling is higher than usual, making it important for locals to secure outdoor objects and avoid parking under trees. The Santa Ana winds can be particularly hazardous during such conditions, as trees, already weakened by the rain, are more susceptible to being uprooted.
Record Rainfall Across Southern California
Southern California has experienced one of its wettest starts to the water year (September 1–August 31), thanks to a series of storms that brought heavy rainfall from November 13th to the 17th, and again from the 20th to the 21st. The heaviest storm system occurred between November 13th and 15th, followed by rounds of moderate to heavy rain through the 17th and then again from the 20th to the 21st. These storms have resulted in near-record to record rainfall in many areas.
Read: How Much Rain Fell in the Last Two Days?
Notable Rainfall Totals Across Southern California
Rainfall totals from across southwestern California are indicative of the region’s extraordinary wet conditions this November. At the Los Angeles Downtown station, 5.52 inches of rain has been recorded, marking the 5th wettest November on record, tying with 1885. At L.A. Airport, 4.59 inches has fallen, also making it the 5th wettest November.
Impact on Water Year Records
The unusually heavy rainfall has not only led to dramatic short-term totals but is also shaping up to be a historic water year. In Santa Barbara County, for instance, the percentage of normal-to-date rainfall is currently at about 460%, and the city of Santa Barbara has already experienced the wettest start to a water year since records began in 1899.
While the recent rains have brought much-needed water to the region, they have also created conditions ripe for dangerous winds and the risk of falling trees. Residents are advised to stay alert as Santa Ana winds continue to blow through the area, and to take extra precautions to secure outdoor items and avoid hazardous areas under trees. With a series of storms still impacting the region, the wet and windy weather looks set to persist throughout the weekend.
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