Weather
Severe Storm To Soak Palos Verdes: Sandbags Available
As storms are expected to hit Rancho Palos Verdes, the city is offering residents sandbags to protect them from potential damage.
RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — As a severe winter storm is expected to hit the Southland Monday night, Rancho Palos Verdes city officials are providing residents sandbags to protect homes and businesses from potential damage.
"The City of RPV provides empty sandbags and sand for residents to fill and make as needed," city officials said.
Unfilled sandbags are located at the City Hall info desk and are available during regular business hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Find out what's happening in Palos Verdesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
There is a limit of 10 sandbags per household with valid ID or proof of residency. Fill sand is located at City Hall in a designated area for residents to use.
"Please bring your shovels and tools as they are not provided," city officials said. If you need additional bags, they can be purchased at local hardware stores."
Find out what's happening in Palos Verdesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
In Palos Verdes Estates, sandbags can be made at 340 Palos Verdes Drive West.
A major winter storm is heading to Southern California Monday night, bringing rainfall and snow in elevated areas.
The strong storm system was expected to soak much of Southern California with rain and coat mountaintops with snow Monday and Tuesday. Coastal areas and the valleys could get up to 3 inches of rain during the storm, while mountains and foothills could see up to 5 inches.
Impacts from the powerful winter storm could include travel and commute delays due to slick roads and ponding water. Potential debris flows in recent burn areas and mud and rock slides on mountain roads were also expected during moderate to heavy rain, gusty winds and snow.
"Due to the threat of heavy rain bands and a slight chance of thunderstorms capable of producing high-intensity short duration rainfall, there will be the potential for debris flows over recent burn areas as well as significant roadway flooding," according to the NWS.
Rain will progress from northwest to southeast, with the heaviest rain over Los Angeles County expected to fall between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday, forecasters said.
"Avoid traveling during this storm if you can," the NWS said.
Wind gusts are expected to reach 40 to 65 miles per hour in the mountains and Antelope Valley. Damaging winds could be possible near thunderstorms.
Forecasts expect a significant high elevation snowfall. Snow levels are predicted to start at above 7,000 feet drop to 450 feet by Tuesday night. The Grapevine could see a dusting of snow up to 2 feet.
"On Tuesday the system will move into L.A. County and will likely make a mess of rush hour traffic. A very strong jet will move over the area," forecasters said.
A flash flood watch is already in effect in Santa Barbara County, but Los Angeles County will likely see some watches and warnings as the storm nears.
A gale warning and small craft advisory was issued for mariners along the coast for East Santa Barbara Channel from Pt. Conception to Pt. Mugu CA including Santa Cruz Island and Outer waters from Santa Cruz Island to San Clemente Island, including San Nicolas and Santa Barbara Islands.
"Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions," the NWS said. "Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions."
Health officials advise the public not to swim or surf in ocean waters at and around discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers after significant rainfall due to a possible increase in bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash and other public health hazards.
The Los Angeles Fire Department and county Office of Emergency Management issued a series of reminders related to the potential for mud and debris flow. Among them were:
- Acquire any needed sandbags and instructional materials at your local Los Angeles County fire station.
- Have an emergency plan in place.
- Monitor radio and TV news closely for information about weather conditions and flooding in your area.
- If your neighborhood is evacuated, identify important items to take (e.g., computers, photos, important documents, medications, and other essential items for your family and pets).
- Have enough food and water to supply your family for at least a 72- hour period.
- Remember to include a radio and flashlight with fresh batteries in your emergency kit.Stay away from flood control channels, catch basins, canyons, and natural waterways that are vulnerable to flooding during periods of heavy rain.
- Do not attempt to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water on foot or in a vehicle.
"Our emergency response officials are world-class and will stand ready to defend lives, property and infrastructure if there are emergencies caused by this storm," said Kevin McGowan, director of the county Office of Emergency Management. "But, we need collaboration from the public. It is critical for residents to be aware and prepared so that they can help keep themselves safe."
Here is a detailed forecast from the National Weather Service for Palos Verdes:
Monday: A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly after 4 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 58. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Monday night: Rain, mainly after 10 p.m. Low around 54. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 20 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Tuesday: Rain before 10 a.m, then rain and possibly a thunderstorm between 10 a.m and 4 p.m, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. High near 60. Windy, with a south wind 30 to 35 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday night: A 30 percent chance of showers before 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 45. Windy, with a west northwest wind 25 to 30 mph decreasing to 20 to 25 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 55. West northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.
Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46.
Thursday: A 30 percent chance of rain after 4 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 56.
Thursday night: A chance of rain, mainly before 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48.
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 59.
Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 46.
Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 60.
Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 48.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 59.
To learn more about sandbag placement tips, visit: ow.ly/yh0O50H9HuC
Editor's Note: This story was updated at 1:35 p.m. with additional information.
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