Southern California is facing aturbulent weekend as a Pacific storm, fueled by an atmospheric river, moves inland. Coastal counties will bear the brunt, but the Coachella Valley is also at risk, with forecasters warning of flooding in desert washes and low-lying roads as rain intensifies Saturday into Sunday.
Rain began on Friday across the region, prompting evacuation warnings in Ventura and Los Angeles burn scar areas. The storm peaks Saturday, delivering widespread rainfall, gusty winds, and cooler temperatures. Valley floors could see 1–2 inches of rain, with up to 4 inches in the surrounding mountains.
The National Weather Service expects subtropical moisture to persist through early Sunday, which may increase flooding risks, although forecasters say rainfall totals remain uncertain. Flash flooding may disrupt travel on Interstate 10 and Highway 111, while southeast winds up to 35 mph pose hazards for high-profile vehicles. Residents should avoid low-water crossings and monitor alerts.
Temperatures are forecast to dip below seasonal norms, with highs in the 70s for lower deserts and 60s in mountains. Snow levels drop to 7,000–8,000 feet, adding 3–6 inches in higher elevations. The system is forecast to weaken late Sunday, but scattered showers may linger into next week.
For now, stay weather-aware and prepare for possible flooding as the Coachella Valley braces for a rare November soaking.
Follow Desert Sun reporters and photographers throughout Saturday, Nov. 15 for live updates as a powerful Pacific storm is expected to drench Southern California and the Coachella Valley, bringing flooding risks and travel disruptions.
City News Service
The California Highway Patrol reports flooding on San Diego County freeways, including:
Jennifer Cortez
The La Quinta Art Celebration canceled its Saturday programming because of the weather, the city announced on social media.
The four-day festival, which runs from Nov. 13-16 at the La Quinta Civic Center and features artists from around the world, plans to reopen at 10 a.m. Sunday.
James Ward
Caltrans is reporting downed trees, falling debris, and loose gravel throughout Los Angeles County and is urging people to drive with caution, use headlights and wipers. Fog and gusty winds are reported on Interstate 5 from Gorman to Santa Clarita.
City News Service
Heavy rain showers were drenching the San Diego area Saturday and were expected to continue through Sunday, keeping first responders busy and causing a general rain advisory for coastal beaches and bays.
The unsettled atmosphere out of the west and north was expected to deliver heavier rain through Saturday night, with a chance of thunderstorms during the period, according to the National Weather Service.
The California Highway Patrol responded to several spinouts, traffic collisions, and a flooded highway within a 10-minute period Saturday morning, according to the CHP online traffic incident information page.
San Diego Fire-Rescue firefighters and lifeguards responded to a water rescue along Genesee Avenue in Kearny Mesa shortly before 9 a.m. in which the victim was brought to safety without injury, according to firefighters.
The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality issued a rain advisory for all coastal beaches and bays Saturday.
“Beachgoers are advised that rain brings urban runoff, which can cause bacteria levels to rise significantly in ocean and bay waters, especially near storm drains, creeks, rivers, and lagoon outlets, and may cause illness,” the agency said in a statement.
Water contact, such as swimming, surfing, and diving, should be avoided during rain and for 72 hours following the rain event, according to health officials.
By Sunday morning, the bands of wet clouds are expected to have delivered 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain along the coast and across the inland valleys, and up to 4 inches in the mountains, forecasters predicted. A maximum of 1 inch of moisture was expected in local desert communities.
James Ward
Santa Monica officials are urging residents to stay put and avoid unnecessary travel as a flash flood warning remains in effect through at least noon on Saturday. Drivers are strongly advised not to attempt crossing flooded streets, as conditions can change quickly and pose serious risks.
A flood advisory was in affect until noon Saturday for parts of Los Angeles County including Malibu, Agoura Hills, Woodland Hills, Chatsworth, Encino, Santa Monica, Malibu Creek State Park, Calabasas, Topanga State Park, Westlake Village, Point Dume, Canoga Park, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Oak Park, Malibu Canyon and Los Virgenes Roads through the Santa Monica Mountains, Kanan Dume Road through the Santa Monica Mountains and Topanga Canyon Road through the Santa Monica Mountains.
City News Service
Two bands of rain moved into the region, resulting in slick roads overnight and early Saturday. Forecasters warned that at times, torrential rain could lead to flash flooding, mudslides, washed-out roads, debris flows, and damaging winds, making travel difficult or dangerous.
“During this time, folks should be prepared for ample traffic incidents, delays, and a few road closures,” the National Weather Service said. “This includes a few flooded roads, freeway lanes, and on-ramps and off-ramps. Canyon roads, especially the most vulnerable ones, such as Topanga Canyon, are likely to experience mudslides and rockslides. In and near recent burn scars, at least shallow debris flows will occur, which will impact roads with a moderate risk of significant flows blocking or damaging roads and structures. This includes the Palisades, Eaton, and Bridge burn areas, which have the highest threat.
“In creeks and rivers, the flows will be heavy, with anyone in or near those channels at risk of being swept away. There will be an area of heaviest rain, but we do not know for sure exactly where that will be.”
A flood advisory was in affect until noon Saturday for parts of Los Angeles County including Malibu, Agoura Hills, Woodland Hills, Chatsworth, Encino, Santa Monica, Malibu Creek State Park, Calabasas, Topanga State Park, Westlake Village, Point Dume, Canoga Park, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Oak Park, Malibu Canyon and Los Virgenes Roads through the Santa Monica Mountains, Kanan Dume Road through the Santa Monica Mountains and Topanga Canyon Road through the Santa Monica Mountains.
City News Service
A flood watch is in effect from 4 a.m. through 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, for the cities of Cathedral City, La Quinta, Coachella, Indio, Palm Desert, and Palm Springs.
With a storm expected to roll through the Coachella Valley, Imperial Irrigation District officials said they will be prepared to respond to any possible service disruptions.
“A Flood Watch will go into effect for all areas from early Saturday morning through Saturday evening as this storm system moves over the region,” said the National Weather Service. “This is when most areas will see the heaviest rainfall, including a chance for thunderstorms.”
For the Coachella Valley, highs will be in the low 70s going through the weekend. Lows will generally range from the low to upper 50s.
The NWS said that troughs of low pressure sweeping out of the Pacific Northwest will spin into the region, generating some downpours, the heaviest of which will be in and around higher terrain.
“While confidence remains low on exact rainfall amounts due to the uncertainty of the storm’s exact path, be prepared for locally heavy rainfall and an increase threat for flooding, including near former burn areas in the mountains,” the NWS said in a statement. “Since this precipitation will be coming from the southeast or the south, the coastal slopes of the mountains may receive locally four to five inches or more of rainfall from Friday night into Saturday. There is also a chance of some embedded thunderstorms within this system as instability will be elevated.”
Ventura County Star
As a storm continued to drench Ventura County, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for the southern portions of the county on Saturday, Nov. 15 shortly after 5:30 a.m.
“High intensity rainfall could result in heavy localized downpours, capable of surpassing debris flow thresholds and creating dangerous conditions,” the county’s Office of Emergency said on its site.
Residents were advised to shelter in place “unless there is imminent danger of flooding or debris flow, or you have received an Evacuation Order from local authorities.”
The weather service listed the locations as Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Camarillo, Fillmore, Ojai, Moorpark, Santa Paula, Port Hueneme, Point Mugu, Oak Park, Somis and Piru.
“Debris flow from recent burn scars are possible,” the weather service’s site says.
The weather service also advised people to avoid flooded roadways. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles, the agency’s site says.
By 3 p.m. Friday, most local cities had recorded around an inch to 1.5 inches of rainfall, according to preliminary figures from the Ventura County Watershed Protection District. A gauge near Simi Valley showed under a half-inch, and a spot near Matilija Canyon above Ojai had received closer to 4 inches.
The forecast called for the next wave on Saturday to bring an additional 2 to 3 inches of rainfall in coastal and valley areas. Foothill and mountain spots could see an additional 4 to 6 inches, according to the weather service.
Ernesto Centeno Araujo
Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnivalwon’t kick off this weekend as planned. The two-day festival at Dodger Stadium Grounds has been pushed to Nov. 22–23 after heavy rains drenched Los Angeles.
Tyler broke the news on Instagram, saying organizers faced two options: “Cancel or move to next weekend. We chose the latter.” Refunds will be offered for those unable to attend.
The11th edition of Flog Gnawstill promises headliners Tyler, Childish Gambino, and Doechii, though some acts from the original lineup—Sombr, Clairo, Tems, Men I Trust, the Alchemist, and Don Toliver—are now off the bill.
The rescheduled dates mark a major return for Gambino, who canceled his farewell tour last year citing health concerns. Tyler assured fans he’s “working on solutions that keep everyone safe and protect the experience.”
City News Service
Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state pre-deployed emergency response crews in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties to enable faster response to any storm-related issues that develop. He said 274 personnel were being deployed, along with 18 engines, three Urban Search & Rescue companies, six bulldozers, three swiftwater-rescue teams, three helicopters and five dispatchers.
In the Palisades Fire area, Caltrans closed Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive. Caltrans officials said motorists should expect the stretch to remain closed through the weekend, depending how the storm develops.
NWS forecasters urged homeowners to prepare for the rain by ensuring gutters are cleared and windshield wipers are secure and working. They said people should consider rescheduling outdoor events, and advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded areas.
Cheri Carlson
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services issued evacuation warnings for parts of the Mountain Fire burn area and several communities north of Ojai.
The warnings, which mean people should be prepared to leave but the threat was not yet imminent, took effect at 6 p.m. Thursday and covered:Parts of the Mountain Fire burn area in and above Camarillo.
Matilija Canyon, Camino Cielo, and North Fork communities above Ojai — areas that are prone to flooding and debris flows.
A map of the specific regions was available at vcemergency.com.
The Mountain Fire that started near Somis on Nov. 6, 2024, burned around 31 square miles and destroyed some 243 structures, many in the hillsides above Camarillo.
During intense rainfall, burned slopes can become vulnerable to flash floods and post-fire debris flows. Authorities have set a debris flow threshold just under an inch of rain per hour in the local burn area. If rainfall reaches that threshold, it does not mean debris flows will happen, but areas could become more susceptible, officials said.
Hourly rainfall rates were generally not expected to reach debris-flow thresholds in the Mountain Fire area. But authorities said the possibility of high-intensity downpours and prolonged rainfall prompted the warning.
Brandi D. Addison
The weather service in Portland said residents should take these steps to prepare for the heavy rain:
Brandi D. Addison
On the West Coast, atmospheric rivers approach from the Pacific Ocean, carrying tremendous amounts of water. They occur most frequently during specific weather patterns, including El Niño, which can increase their frequency or intensity; however, they can also occur in other years.
These long, narrow corridors of air have been responsible for as much as 65% of the West’s extreme rain and snow events, USA TODAY formerly reported.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an atmospheric river — described as a “river in the sky” — transports water vapor outside of the tropics. While they vary in size and strength, the average system carries an amount of water vapor equivalent to the average flow of the Mississippi River at its mouth.
Past atmospheric rivers have caused widespread impacts. For example, earlier this year, two systems drenched Southern California, triggering severe flooding, tornadoes, avalanches, and mudslides. Cities including San Francisco and Redding received up to a month’s worth of rain, prompting evacuations and rescues from southern Santa Barbara to Orange County.
Brandi D. Addison
Some areas can expect to see heavy rain and snow as a result of this weather event. These are the estimated rainfall totals, through Nov. 19, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
