Southern California entered the weekend under the weight of an aggressive Pacific storm that swept across coastal and inland counties with a combination of heavy rain, sharp winds and pockets of lightning. Forecasters with the National Weather Service noted that the system was unusual for this time of year, not so much in strength but in consistency, arriving as part of a chain of storms that have lined up over the Pacific.
Across Los Angeles County, freeways shimmered with water before sunrise as commuters navigated slick lanes and unexpected bursts of rain. Inland communities felt the storm’s weight as well, with runoff spilling into residential streets and low-lying areas near the Santa Ana and San Gabriel riverbeds. Emergency crews spent the morning clearing drains and checking hillside stability, especially in neighborhoods that are still recovering from recent fires.
Meteorologists say the storm will taper but not fully break until early next week, leaving the region vulnerable to isolated flooding and wind-related hazards. For residents, the message remains straightforward: stay prepared, stay alert and respect how quickly conditions can shift when the atmosphere decides to flex.
