According to the National Weather Service forecast discussion, a strong and colder storm system will move into the region beginning later in the day Friday, with rain developing during that period through at least Saturday evening. The NWS report states that storm total rainfall amounts can vary between 1.5 and 3 inches across the coastal areas of Los Angeles County, including Santa Monica, with a low-to-moderate chance that a Flash Flood Watch could be issued during the period.
The storm has unfortunate timing for those looking to have outdoor activities for the Easter holiday weekend. According to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Heather Zehr, rainfall will cause water to create ponds on roadways, forging potential for flooding on streets, highways and poor-drainage areas. Other delays for motorists could come in the form of significant runoff on hillsides, which can lead to debris like rocks and mud.
While the thunderstorm risk diminishes for Easter Sunday itself, the AccuWeather report notes that incidents of small hail may be in store for Southern California during the date. The area will also be susceptible to temperature drops and gusty southerly winds, with a High Wind Watch already added for San Luis Obispo County and wind advisories scheduled as soon as Friday.
Outside of traditional weekend activities and Easter events, the storm also coincides with the beginning of the 2024 Major League Baseball season, with rain delays possible for the Los Angeles Dodgers’ home opening series against the St. Louis Cardinals. As of Thursday, first pitch times of 7:10pm, Friday, 6:10pm Saturday and 4:10pm. Sunday are still on schedule.
After a dry January in Santa Monica, February came in with a historical storm, as rainfall from Feb. 4-6 dropped 6.71 inches on the city, per historical weather database Weather Underground.
The total was so astronomical that within 48 hours, the city received more rain than all of April 2023 through January (6.29 inches). March was more quiet but still brought some rainfall, totaling 2.36 inches according to Weather Underground.
The dramatic February storm has kept California wet, as per the California Data Exchange Center, the majority of the state’s reservoirs are well above historical average capacity, including major sites like Oroville and Shasta in the northern part of the state. The United States Drought Monitor brings even more good news, since as of March 26, no part of the state is under any drought conditions, even the baseline moderate drought level.
