Flash floods have ripped across Los Angeles as large swathes of California were lashed by a high-impact storm Monday morning.
Footage showed cars engulfed by water as apartments and businesses were soaked by the deluge.
The National Weather Service warned Santa Monica, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills in particular should brace for the torrent.
Significant storms are brewing for California and the West Coast, with double-digit feet of mountain snow and heavy rain expected, according to Fox Weather. FOX Weather
A powerful atmospheric river drenches Los Angeles on Monday, causing flooding in Hollywood Hills. @HeadToToeCelebs / BACKGRIDResidents across Southern California are alerting each other and the public via the Citizen app about flash flooding, as water was seen rising up to car tires in the streets of Melrose Hill in Hollywood.
In the video, residents urged others to avoid flooded roadways and never attempt to cross standing or moving water. The National Weather Service has also issued a flash flood alert in LA County.
Multiple cars are stranded in high water on Vineland Ave. in Los Angeles, Feb. 16.
The alert was sent out around noon and was in effect until 2 p.m., warning of a “dangerous and life-threatening situation.”
“Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order,” the alert read.
Drivers navigate waterlogged streets after 1 to 2.5 inches of rain fell in coastal and valley areas. @HeadToToeCelebs / BACKGRIDA 911 call of an unconfirmed flooding incident at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and South Bundy Drive was also reported.
A man rides a skateboard at the boardwalk in Venice during heavy rainfall in Los Angeles on Feb. 16. Apu Gomes for CA Post
A rainbow arches over the Pacific Coast Highway and the ocean in Malibu, California, during a heavy rain storm. Apu Gomes for CA PostStreets across the city also saw videos circulating of cars stranded due to rising water levels.
Parts of the Pacific Coast Highway were cut off due to mudslides blocking the path, according to alerts. LAPD confirmed that Public Works is clearing debris.
A National Weather Service alert warns residents to avoid driving through flooded roads. @HeadToToeCelebs / BACKGRIDMeanwhile, already hazardous bluffs in iconic parts of the region could be destroyed, as the coastal erosion continues.
Garbage bins are strewn across a street in the Hollywood Hills. @HeadToToeCelebs / BACKGRID“Significant weather on the horizon, that will impact travel as early as Sun night lasting into the week,” the NWS Los Angeles office wrote on X.
Man wakeboarding on a flooded street, pulled by a pickup truck. Hayden De LeonForecasters warned two back-to-back weather systems will bring strong winds, heavy rain, mountain snow, thunderstorms, dangerous surf and even the possibility of isolated tornadoes.
Low-elevation snow could impact major routes including Interstate 5 and Highway 33. The NWS said between 2–4 inches of rain is expected along the coast and in valleys, with 4–8 inches forecast for mountains and foothills.
Flooding on Melrose Hill in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles, Feb. 16. Citizen.com
A man in a neon yellow rainsuit clearing debris from a flooded street in San Diego. The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty ImagesMonday is expected to mark the peak of the storm, with life-threatening flash floods, mudslides and damaging winds possible. Officials also warned of widespread power outages and major flight delays.
Ahead of the forecast, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued evacuation warnings for burn scar areas located in the neighborhoods the California wildfires tore through in January 2025 and urged residents to sign up for emergency alerts.
Parts of LA’s Topanga will be closed and evacuation warnings remain in place as the storm threatens burn zones. AFP via Getty Images“Ahead of heavy rain forecasted this week, first responders, Public Works crews and City personnel are taking action to keep Angelenos safe and will be ready to respond to any potential impacts,” Bass said in a statement.
“This is likely to be another significant rain event. All Angelenos — especially those in burn scar areas — are encouraged to follow official guidance, use caution on the roads, plan ahead and stay informed.”
Hazardous bluffs in the Portuguese Bend neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes are under threat from the storm. VCG via Getty ImagesMayoral candidate Spencer Prattcriticized Bass on X, writing, “Someone should check and make sure the Mayor is in LA. She has a history of skipping town during major weather events,” referencing her absence when the Palisades Fire broke out.
Travel in SoCal is expected to remain treacherous through midweek as heavy snow blankets mountain passes, including I-5 at Tejon Pass, through Wednesday.
Residents of coastal neighborhoods like Portuguese Bend are particularly under threat of collapse due to the storm. Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesAlong the coast, forecasters warned of dangerous 10-foot swells and coastal flooding through Feb. 18.
In San Diego County, already fragile coastal bluffs are particularly under threat as pounding surf and saturated soil increase the risk of collapse.
Heavy rain in the Hollywood Hills is causing major chaos this morning by Laurel Canyon. @HeadToToeCelebs / BACKGRID
Multiple cars are stranded in high water on Vineland Ave in Los Angeles. Citizen.com
A car drives through a puddle during heavy rain in Santa Monica on Monday. Apu Gomes for CA Post“We already have a lot of water stored in the ground from our earlier heavy rainfall interval,” geology expert Patrick Abbott told NBC 7 San Diego.
“So this week we’re adding water in the ground, which increases its weight and pushes you ever closer toward failure.”
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