‘Powerful’ Storm Sweeps Through Southland, Pasadena Could See Up to 3 Inches of Rain

A storm dubbed “the most significant storm of the season” is making its way across Los Angeles County today, with the heaviest rain expected to fall between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

“On Tuesday the system will move into L.A. County and will likely make a mess of rush hour traffic. A very strong jet will move over the area,” forecasters said.

As of 6 a.m. a  Sig Alert had been called in Pasadena on the I-210 freeway eastbound with a crash in the four right lanes at Madre Street. Traffic was backed up to Sierra Madre Blvd/Altadena Dr.

A Pasadena city official offered safety tips to local residents:

1. Drive slowly and keep your headlights on in the rain

2. Make sure holiday lights are secure and no wiring is exposed where water can get inside

3. Make sure fireplace flues are open and clear of presents or decorations if using a fireplace

4. Make sure no clothes or towels cover floor or wall heaters if using them for the first time in awhile

5. Make sure your windows are shut properly

6. Keep umbrella and raincoat handy

7. Update your emergency kit and make sure you have flashlights in case there is a loss of power

8. Sand/sandbags available at Stations 37 & 38

9. If it’s trash day in your neighborhood place cans a few feet from the curb so downhill flowing water can’t carry trashcans away and create street hazards

 Here is a detailed forecast from the National Weather Service:

Tuesday: Rain before 10 a.m., then rain and possibly a thunderstorm between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4 p.m. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 56. South wind around 15 mph becoming west northwest in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 100%.

Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers before 10 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 38. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. North wind around 5 mph.

Thursday: A 10 percent chance of rain after 4 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.

Thursday Night: A 10 percent chance of rain before 10 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 42.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 59.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 37.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 63.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 42.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 61.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 43.

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 60.