'Significant and dangerous' storm to unleash severe weather, flooding threat for southern California
Damaging wind gusts and even a few tornadoes are possible with this threat.
High-impact storm threatens California with flooding and severe storms
A powerful atmospheric river is targeting the Golden State, especially Southern California, bringing a multitude of threats from vicious winds, strong waves, severe storms and heavy rain. Portions of the state are at a level 2 out of 4 flood risk. Stick with FOX Weather for the latest updates on this vast system:
CALIFORNIA - The National Weather Service office in Los Angeles is putting millions on alert for a "very significant and dangerous" storm that has the potential for flash flooding and possible tornadoes early this week.
A dip in the jet stream opens the door for storms bringing abundant moisture to funnel into the West Coast.
A series of storms has started slamming the coast, delivering high winds, strong waves, heavy rain and severe storms, as an atmospheric river targets the state.
(FOX Weather)
Rain will keep things very active in Southern California, where 3 to 5 inches of rain is possible, with localized higher amounts expected.
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Creeks and rivers could rise quickly, and urban flooding is possible around Los Angeles.
A sneaky risk of severe weather ushered in with rain on Monday. The severe storm threat spreads across the Los Angeles basin, potentially producing waterspouts that come ashore. If this occurs, it could produce tornadoes.
San Diego, CA - January 1: A traffic sign is submerged on Camino De La Reina in Mission Valley which flooded after the San Diego River overflowed during a storm on January 1, 2026 in San Diego, CA.
( K.C. Alfred / The San Diego Union-Tribune / Getty Images)
Of the 49 tornadoes that have occurred in Los Angeles County since 1950, only nine of them have been during the winter months, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
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(FOX Weather)
Right now, a level 1 out of 5 severe risk is expected for Southern California.
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Damaging wind gusts and even a few tornadoes are possible with this threat, according to the FOX Forecast Center. Additionally, flash flooding will be possible with the heavy rain.
Pedestrians cross Hollywood Boulevard under umbrellas in Los Angeles on February 13, 2025.
(ALI MATIN/Middle East Images/AFP / Getty Images)
Areas with burn scars from recent wildfires are especially at risk of flooding.
A level 2 out of 4 flood risk is in effect through Tuesday for portions of California. Hourly rain rates could approach up to 0.5" in some locations.
Thus, the flash flood threat will continue to increase, and dangerous mudslides could be triggered, with evacuation warnings already issued in some of the most vulnerable zones.
![Monday-Tuesday morning flash flood threat for California.]()
Image 1 of 2Monday to Tuesday morning flash flood threat for California. (FOX Weather)
![Tuesday-Wednesday morning flash flood threat for California.]()
Image 2 of 2Tuesday to Wednesday morning flash flood threat for California. (FOX Weather)
The FOX Forecast Center said that the unsettled pattern does not end after Monday.
Additional storm systems are expected to move into California through midweek and possibly beyond, keeping soils saturated and prolonging the flood threat.
Malibu, CA road closures ahead of dangerous multi-day flood threat
(Bayne Froney / FOX Weather)
Moderate rain later in the week could cause renewed flooding in areas that were hit hard early on.
Stay with FOX Weather for the latest on storms impacting California.