Newsom declares state of emergency

Wild, life-threatening storm is expected to stall over Southland

With the governor issuing a state of emergency for Southern California, forecasters urged Los Angeles, Orange County and western Inland Empire area residents to stay off freeways and other roads Sunday evening through this morning, as a potentially life-threatening, slow-moving multiday storm is expected to stall over the region.

Flooding could be “catastrophic” during heavy rainfall in Orange County and inland cities, including Corona, Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino, National Weather Service forecaster Adam Roser warned.

Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed the state of emergency for eight local counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino.

“California, this is a serious storm with dangerous and potentially life-threatening impacts,” Newsom said. “Please pay attention to any emergency orders or alerts from local officials.”

After a rain prelude Sunday afternoon, “very heavy” rainfall was expected from 6 p.m. Sunday through 6 a.m. today in the Los Angeles area, with a 20% chance of thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall of 4-8 inches is anticipated there until midnight Tuesday, before turning into more moderate rain the rest of the day.

Mountain and foothill areas could see from 8-14 inches — and possibly 15 inches — of rain throughout that window.

“That's a lot of water, people,” NWS meteorologist Ryan Kittell said in a briefing Sunday. “We're just expecting a lot of freeway flooding and road flooding, road closures. There will be a lot of flooding of parked cars … just a real mess.”

Those who can work remotely should do that, or at least stay off freeways during this morning's commute, he said.

Airport delays were expected, including at LAX, as the county anticipated wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph through Sunday night. Winds should decrease later today.

Forecasters Sunday afternoon issued a flash flood warning for a large part of Los Angeles County, from Manhattan Beach and Inglewood