First Alert Weather Alert: Tracking rain, winds, and flooding potential

Good morning and happy holidays! This morning, we are tracking an atmospheric river moving into Southern California. The main focus for this system will be rain and localized flooding. However, there are some significant wind concerns as well for other areas across the region. We should expect some lingering showers throughout the rest of the morning. However, the main surge of moisture and rainfall will come later in the afternoon hours. Rainfall estimates are still varying across different models. Although most estimates have the Coachella Valley receiving somewhere between 1/4 and 3/4 of an inch of rain.

As we track the wet weather moving into the region, we are monitoring flood concerns across the region. The Weather Prediction Center (based in Washington, D.C.) has issued a slight rise (at least 15% chance) of flash flooding for the Coachella Valley. There are also widespread Flood Advisories currently in effect across the region and beyond (as denoted by the green shading).

We are also tracking a number of wind concerns throughout much of Southern California. The darker orange colors represent a High Wind Warning, and the lighter tan colors represent a Wind Advisory. The Coachella Valley and San Gorgonio Pass are NOT currently included in either of these advisories, but that could change at any time. Keep this in mind as you travel across the region.

The First Alert Weather Alert will remain in place through early Thursday afternoon as we track the impacts of this atmospheric river. Expect temperatures to stay in the 60s and low 70s for much of the next week, with varying amounts of clouds day by day. We're keeping our eyes on another potential system next week as well.