Powerful Storm To Slam Hollywood, Triggering Flood And Advisory

HOLLYWOOD, CA — The most powerful storm in a series of back-to-back rainstorms is expected to slam the Los Angeles region Wednesday, triggering a flash flood warning across Los Angeles County along with high surf advisories.

After days of on-and-off showers, the water-logged region faces a deluge of 2-4 inches of rain along the coast and valleys and another 4-8 inches in the mountains, according to the National Weather Service. With up to an inch of rainfall an hour expected during downpours, the risk of flooding remains high. The heaviest rainfall is expected to occur late Wednesday through Thursday morning.

Los Angeles faces up to four inches of rain Wednesday and Thursday and massive waves between 8 and 15 feet-tall Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures are expected to hover in the low 60s.

“These rates and amounts could cause significant flash flooding or debris flows across the region in and outside of recent burn scars with significant small stream and urban flooding possible,” the National Weather Service warned.

The heavy rainfall and unusually cold temperatures are expected to continue through Friday when waves generated by the powerful Pacific storm are expected to peak at 8 to 15 feet, potentially shutting down or damaging piers up and down the Los Angeles County coastline.

Health officials are alos warning people to avoid entering ocean water near discharging storm drains or rivers due to possible bacterial infection. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an ocean water quality rain advisory that was in effect until 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Health officials noted that stormwater runoff that reaches the ocean can carry bacteria, chemicals, debris trash and other health hazards. People who come in contact with impacted water in the ocean could become ill, health officials said.

City News Service contributed to this report.