NWS Issues Flash Flood Watch Due to Heavy Rain Coming

Staff Writer

Wednesday, February 15th, 2017

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Heavy rains moving into the Southern California on Friday will have the potential to cause flash flooding through Saturday afternoon National Weather Service (NWS) officials said.

The major storm system will move in on Friday bringing heavy rainfall, with the heaviest expected to be on Friday night. The flash flood watch includes areas including Apple and Lucerne Valleys, Coachella Valley, Orange County Coastal and Inland areas, San Bernardino County Valleys, Riverside County Valleys and throughout San Diego County.

The rains from the Pacific storm is predicted to be moderate to heavy starting in Orange and San Bernardino Counties during the day on Friday. The NWS said that the storm will then spread east and south through Friday evening. Overnight rain will is expected to bring the greatest impact. Orange County and the Inland Empire is expected to have 2-4” of rain, while the Santa Ana Mountains are expected to see approximately 5”.

Rain from half an inch to one inch per hour is possible and can lead to flash flooding NWS officials said.

This product is issued by the local National Weather Service office (NWFO) for events that have the potential for short duration (usually less than 6 hours) intense flooding of counties, communities, streams or areas for which the occurrence is neither certain nor imminent. This watch indicates that flash flooding is a possibility in or close to the watch area. Those in the affected area are urged to be ready to take action if a Flash Flood Warning is issued or flooding is observed. A Flash Flood Watch may be issued for potential flooding from either dam breaks, ice jam breaks, or torrential downpours.