Debris Flow — Los Angeles County Coasts Including Downtown Los Angeles, California

2004-12-29 · Los Angeles County Coasts Including Downtown Los Angeles, California

Wider weather episode

A powerful Pacific storm brought heavy rain, snow and tornados to Central and Southern California. Total rainfall amounts ranged from 2 to 8 inches on the coastal plain to between 6 and 13 inches in the mountains. With such heavy rain, there were many hydrologic problems. Urban flooding was widespread across all of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Flash flooding was reported in Santa Barbara county along Highway 101 at the Gaviota and Winchester exits. In Los Angeles county, flash flooding and debris flows in the mountains and Santa Clarita valley closed down Interstate 5 and Hasley Canyon Road. In Rancho Palos Verdes, a mudslide on 25th Street trapped two vehicles. In the mountains of Ventura and Los Angeles counties, winter storm conditions prevailed. Between 12 and 36 inches of snow fell above the 5000 foot elevation while southeast winds between 30 and 50 mph with gusts to 75 mph resulted in near zero visibilities in blowing snow. On the coastal plain of Los Angeles county, weak tornados were reported in Long Beach, Inglewood and Whittier. The tornados only produced minor damage including downed trees and damaged roofs.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5430712. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.