Heavy Rains Continue in Pasadena Today, Up to 3.75″ Predicted

 

Heavy rains will continue to pound Pasadena Wednesday, with the National Weather Service issuing at least three severe weather warnings and predicting a 100 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms after 10 a.m. and through the night.

The NWS says another “fast moving cold front will bring the risk of widespread moderate to heavy rainfall across Southwest California today.”

“An unstable air mass moving into the area today and tonight with a storm system will bring the potential for isolated and possible severe thunderstorms,” says a Special Weather Statement from the agency. “Thunderstorms will have the potential to create gusty and erratic winds, small hail and heavy downpours through tonight.”

Because of the increased danger of heavy rainfall, the agency has also raised a Flash Flood Watch over Pasadena and most of Southwestern California.

“Peak rainfall rates of one half to three quarters of an inch can be expected, with rainfall rates up to one inch per hour near thunderstorms,” says the Flash Flood Watch. “Rainfall rates this high have the potential to cause flash flooding and mud and debris flows.”

The Flash Flood Watch is in effect up to 4 a.m. Thursday and may be extended into Friday as showers are expected to continue.

Wednesday night, rainfall totals could be between one and three inches, with up to four inches across southwest facing foothills and mountain locations.

With the heavy rains come warnings about dangerous roads and possible mudflow near burned areas. In addition, the NWS says there is a potential for microburst winds – air moving fast in a downward motion until it hits ground level, then spreading in all directions – or even a weak tornado to develop under thunderstorms, possibly causing localized damage.

“Southern California residents are urged to take the steps necessary to protect their Property,” says the NWS. “Persons in the watch area should remain alert and follow directions of emergency preparedness officials.”