Flood Watch Issued In Banning Area As 'Heavy' Rain From Tropical Storm Mario Expected

BANNING, CA — Residents of Banning were urged to heed a flood watch warning issued by the National Weather Service on Wednesday as the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario bring the risk of heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds.

The tropical system is expected to bear down on the Coachella Valley and the mountains of Riverside County from Thursday into the weekend, the National Weather Service said.

In Banning, an official Flood Watch will be in effect from Thursday morning into Thursday evening, according to the service. Flood watches are being issued for the San Gorgonio Pass area near Banning, the Coachella Valley, Big Bear, Idyllwild, Apple Valley, Lucerne Valley and beyond.

Meteorologists warned that flash flooding and debris flows could occur in wildfire burn areas, but said it’s impossible to pinpoint where these hazards are most likely.

“There’s a lot that could happen and there’s a lot that could not happen at all,” Ryan Kittell, a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, told the New York Times.

Excessive runoff could result if rivers, creeks, low-water crossings, streams, burn scars and other low-lying areas become flooded, forecasters warned.

"You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings," forecasters wrote Wednesday. "Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop, including near recent burn areas."

Following a muggy, cloudy Wednesday with a high of near 93, rains and Thunderstorms are expected to start after 11 p.m. On Thursday morning, showers and a possible thunderstorm are expected. Then it will be partly sunny with a high of near 85 before an 80 percent chance of rain returns, the NWS said.

Beginning Thursday evening, showers and thunderstorms will be possible before 11 p.m. and again on Friday morning.

Weather officials said moisture from Tropical Storm Mario will push temperatures above normal across Southern California.

"Remember to remain hydrated with plenty of water and electrolytes, limit time outdoors during peak heating if possible, and never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles," weather officials said.

And while rain is expected mid-to-late week, tropical heat could stick around.

"While temperatures will cool with the increase in moisture and the potential for shower activity, temperatures will likely remain warm and humid into late next week," the weather service said.