Connect with us

Southern California

Flash flood warning LA County; Snow & heavy rain impact travel

The California Highway Patrol is cautioning that dangerous mountain driving conditions are currently affecting travel

Published

on

Wintery mix of sleet and rain in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles Friday evening Feb. 24, 2023 (Photo by Troy Masters)

OXNARD – The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for parts of LA County. The Flash Flood Warning has been expanded to include nearly 6 million people in metro Los Angeles. It remains in effect until 10 p.m.

Graphic courtesy of the National Weather Service

The California Highway Patrol is cautioning that dangerous mountain driving conditions are currently affecting travel. Drivers are urged to avoid traveling on mountain roads through Saturday.

Currently CHP units are conducting escorts through the Grapevine on the 5 Freeway: “Units from the Fort Tejon and Newhall areas are conducting escorts through the Grapevine. Road conditions are still very wet. Do not attempt to pass the CHP officers conducting the escorts. The weather conditions are expected to last through the night so please travel safe.”

Heavy band of rain moving into Ventura County, dangerous mountain driving conditions persist

A band of heavier rain is expected to move into Ventura County between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Friday night, “capable of producing rainfall rates locally to 1 inch per hour,” said NWS.

Graphic courtesy of the National Weather Service

Updated Cold Weather Alert, Cold Temperatures Expected in Parts of Los Angeles County

The Los Angeles County Health Officer is issuing a Cold Weather Alert due to the National Weather Service’s forecast for low temperatures. Wind chill temperatures are expected to be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Affected areas include:

  • Santa Clarita Valley – Friday, February 24, 2023 to Sunday, February 26, 2023 (continued)
  • Lancaster (Antelope Valley)  – Friday, February 24, 2023 to Tuesday, February 28, 2023 (continued)
  • Mount Wilson (LA County Mountains)  – Friday, February 24, 2023 to Tuesday, February 28, 2023 (continued)
  • Woodland Hills (West San Fernando Valley) – Sunday, February 26, 2023
  • Burbank (East San Fernando Valley) – Sunday, February 26, 2023
  • San Gabriel (West San Gabriel Valley) – Sunday, February 26, 2023
  • Pomona (East San Gabriel Valley) –  Sunday, February 26, 2023

“Taking extra precautions amid cold weather events is especially important for children, the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with special medical needs,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “Shelters and other public facilities are open for those who have no access to a warm space. It’s also important for everyone to make sure they are staying warm safely—never heat a home with a stove, oven, or barbeque as this could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.”

During these cold weather conditions, you can do several things to help yourself and others stay safe:

  • Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a generator inside a home, shed or garage even if doors and windows are open. Keep generators outside and far away from windows, doors and vents.
  • Never use charcoal grills or camp stoves indoors. Deaths have occurred after people burned charcoal or used camp stoves in enclosed spaces, which produced lethal levels of carbon monoxide.
  • Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
  • Do not touch or approach a downed power line; call 9-1-1 if you see a downed or damaged electrical line.
  • Avoid using candles. If possible, use flashlights instead. If you must use candles, do not burn them on or near anything that can catch fire. Never leave burning candles unattended or near children or bedding. Extinguish candles when you leave the room.
  • Have a plan for back-up power if you or someone in your family is dependent on electricity for medical devices.
  • Wear layers and have blankets available to add additional warmth. Layers will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. Stay dry to avoid hypothermia.
  • If it is safe, check on neighbors who may need assistance — older adults, people with disabilities and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.

Health Risks

Hypothermia: People exposed to cold weather for prolonged periods can lose body heat and develop hypothermia.  Symptoms vary depending on how long you are exposed to cold temperatures.  Early symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, and confusion and disorientation. Late symptoms of hypothermia include no shivering, blue skin, dilated pupils, slowed pulse and breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Frostbite: People exposed to extremely cold weather conditions with snow and freezing temperatures may be at risk of frostbite. Frostbite is a bodily injury caused by freezing that results in loss of feeling and color in affected areas. The most common affected areas are the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Gently warm the person and seek immediate medical care if you believe someone is showing signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

Carbon monoxide poisoning:  Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you. It is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces. Carbon monoxide can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it. Symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and nausea. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can lead to death within minutes. Those suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning should be immediately taken outside, into fresh air, and should be rushed to the emergency room for immediate medical treatment.

Emergency Shelter

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) emergency shelters offer temporary shelters across the County to protect people experiencing homelessness during colder months. These beds are available through March 2023.

Persons seeking shelter services to stay in a warm place can visit www.lahsa.org/winter-shelter, dial 2-1-1 or call the Winter Shelter Hotline at 1(800) 548-6047. Transport services are available for those in need.  

En español

Alerta Actualizada de Clima Frío, Se Esperan Bajas Temperaturas en Partes del Condado de Los Ángeles

El Funcionario de Salud del Condado de Los Ángeles está emitiendo una Alerta de Clima Frío debido al pronóstico de bajas temperaturas del Servicio Meteorológico Nacional. Se espera que las temperaturas de sensación térmica estén por debajo de los 32 grados Fahrenheit. Las áreas afectadas incluyen:

  • Valle de Santa Clarita: del viernes 24 de febrero del 2023 a domingo 26 de febrero del 2023 (continuado)
  • Lancaster (Valle del Antílope): del viernes 24 de febrero del 2023 a martes 28 de febrero del 2023 (continuado)
  • Mount Wilson: del viernes 24 de febrero del 2023 a martes 28 de febrero del 2023 (continuado)
  • Woodland Hills (Oeste del Valle de San Fernando): domingo 26 de febrero del 2023
  • Burbank (Este del Valle de San Fernando): domingo 26 de febrero del 2023
  • San Gabriel (Oeste del Valle de San Gabriel): domingo 26 de febrero del 2023
  • Pomona (Este del Valle de San Gabriel): domingo 26 de febrero del 2023

“Tomar precauciones adicionales durante eventos de clima frío es especialmente importante para los niños, las personas mayores o con discapacidades, y las personas con necesidades médicas especiales,” dijo Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Funcionario de Salud del Condado de Los Ángeles. “Los albergues y otras instalaciones públicas están abiertos para aquellos que no tienen acceso a un espacio cálido. También es importante que todos se aseguren de calentar su hogar de manera segura: nunca caliente una casa con una estufa, un horno o una parrilla, ya que esto podría provocar envenenamiento por monóxido de carbono”.

Durante estas condiciones de clima frío, puede hacer varias cosas para mantenerse y a sus seres queridos seguros:

  • Evite el envenenamiento por monóxido de carbono. Nunca use un generador dentro de una casa o garaje, incluso si las puertas y ventanas están abiertas. Mantenga los generadores afuera y lejos de ventanas, puertas y conductos de ventilación.
  • Nunca use parrillas de carbón o estufas de campamento en el interior. Personas han fallecido después de quemar carbón o usar estufas de campamento en espacios cerrados, lo que produjo niveles letales de monóxido de carbono.
  • Nunca caliente su hogar con una estufa u horno de gas.
  • No toque ni se acerque a una línea eléctrica caída; llame al 9-1-1 si ve una línea eléctrica caída o dañada.
  • Evite el uso de velas. Si es posible, use linternas en vez de velas. Si no tiene otra opción, no las queme sobre o cerca de algo que pueda incendiarse. Nunca deje velas encendidas desatendidas o cerca de niños o ropa de cama. Apague las velas cuando salga de la habitación.
  • Tenga un plan de energía de respaldo si usted o alguien de su familia depende de la electricidad para dispositivos médicos.
  • Vístase con varias capas de ropa y tenga cobijas disponibles para agregar calor adicional. Las capas lo mantendrán más caliente que un suéter grueso. Manténgase seco para evitar la hipotermia.
  • Si es seguro, visite a sus vecinos que puedan necesitar ayuda: los adultos mayores, las personas con discapacidades y los niños pequeños corren más riesgo en condiciones de frío extremo.

Riesgos de Salud

Hipotermia: las personas expuestas al frío durante períodos prolongados pueden perder calor corporal y desarrollar hipotermia. Los síntomas varían dependiendo de cuánto tiempo esté expuesto a temperaturas frías. Los primeros síntomas de hipotermia incluyen escalofríos, fatiga, pérdida de coordinación, confusión y desorientación. Los últimos síntomas de hipotermia incluyen ausencia de escalofríos, piel azulada, pupilas dilatadas, pulso y respiración lentos y pérdida del conocimiento.

Congelación: las personas expuestas a condiciones extremadamente frías con nieve y temperaturas bajo cero pueden correr el riesgo de congelarse. La congelación es una lesión corporal causada por el frío extremo que resulta en la pérdida de sensibilidad y color en las áreas afectadas. Las áreas afectadas más comunes son la nariz, las orejas, las mejillas, la barbilla, los dedos de las manos o de los pies. Caliente a la persona cuidadosamente y busque atención médica inmediata si cree que alguien muestra señales de hipotermia o congelación.

Envenenamiento por monóxido de carbono: El monóxido de carbono (CO) es un gas inodoro e incoloro que puede matarlo. Se encuentra en los vapores producidos cada vez que quema combustible en automóviles o camiones, motores pequeños, estufas, linternas, parrillas, chimeneas, estufas de gas u hornos. El monóxido de carbono puede acumularse en el interior y envenenar a las personas y los animales que lo respiran. Los síntomas incluyen dificultad para respirar, dolores de cabeza, dolor muscular y articular, y náuseas. La exposición a altos niveles de monóxido de carbono puede provocar la muerte en cuestión de minutos. Las personas que sufren de envenenamiento por monóxido de carbono deben ser llevadas inmediatamente al aire libre, y deben ser trasladadas rápidamente a la sala de emergencias para recibir tratamiento médico inmediato.

Albergues de Emergencia

Los albergues de emergencia de la Autoridad de Servicios para Personas sin Hogar de Los Ángeles (LAHSA por sus siglas en inglés) ofrecen albergues temporales en todo el condado para proteger a las personas sin hogar durante los meses más fríos. Estas camas están disponibles hasta marzo del 2023

Las personas que buscan servicios de albergues para permanecer en un lugar cálido pueden visitar www.lahsa.org/winter-shelter marcar 2-1-1 o llamar a la línea directa de albergues de invierno al 1(800) 548-6047. Los servicios de transporte están disponibles para aquellos que lo necesiten.

Advertisement
FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM
SIGN UP FOR E-BLAST

Southern California

Triple A: Average gas prices near $5 in many areas

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.95, which is seven cents higher than a week ago

Published

on

Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Gas prices in many metropolitan Southern California areas are now near $5 gallon after moving up by about a penny a day in the last week, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.95, which is seven cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.53, which is 12 cents higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.99 per gallon, which is six cents more than last week, 18 cents higher than last month, and 12 cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is also $4.99, which is seven cents higher than last week, 13 cents higher than last month, and two cents lower than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $5, which is eight cents higher than last week, 13 cents higher than last month, and 16 cents higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.87, which is six cents higher than last week, 19 cents higher than last month and seven cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.85 average price is eight cents more than last week, 28 cents more than last month, and two cents lower than a year ago today.

“Gas prices are likely to continue trending upward this spring as in prior years,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “To save money on gas, drivers should shop around for the lowest prices using a tool such as the free AAA Mobile app, keep their vehicle and tires well-maintained, and adopt a gentle driving style that avoids speeding, hard braking and jackrabbit starts.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on March 21, averages are:

032124

Continue Reading

Southern California

Triple A: Gas prices stop rising

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.88, which is one cent higher than a week ago

Published

on

Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – In most areas of Southern California, gas prices took a break from their typical pattern of increases in late winter and early spring, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.88, which is one cent higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.41, which is also one cent higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.93 per gallon, which is the same as last week, 15 cents higher than last month, and one cent lower than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.92, which is also the same as last week, 13 cents higher than last month, and two cents lower than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.92, which is two cents higher than last week, 17 cents higher than last month, and one cent higher than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.81, which is one cent higher than last week, 14 cents higher than last month and five cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.77 average price is three cents more than last week, 20 cents more than last month, and 12 cents lower than a year ago today.

“Indications are that this pause may be temporary, since Los Angeles wholesale gasoline prices have been on the rise this week,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Drivers should shop around for the best gas prices near them by using a free online tool such as the AAA Mobile app.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on March 14, averages are:

031424
Continue Reading

Southern California

Triple A: Southern California gas prices rise for second week

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.87, which is 13 cents higher than a week ago

Published

on

Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices are up for the second week in a row as local refinery maintenance continues to affect production, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.87, which is 13 cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.40, which is eight cents higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.93 per gallon, which is eight cents more than last week, 22 cents higher than last month, and two cents lower than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.92, which is six cents more than last week, 20 cents higher than last month, and two cents lower than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.90, which is nine cents higher than last week, 21 cents higher than last month, and the same as last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.80, which is eight cents higher than last week, 22 cents higher than last month and five cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.74 average price is 12 cents more than last week, 18 cents more than last month, and 11 cents lower than a year ago today.

“According to Oil Price Information Service, one local refinery has announced it will be undergoing maintenance for a week starting today, while the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that West Coast refinery production rates and gasoline imports increased over the past week,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Gas prices may continue to experience upward pressure as demand grows in the next few months.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on March 7, averages are:

Continue Reading

Southern California

Election Day is Tuesday: How to vote & where

Vote Centers will open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM and on Election Day, March 5, from 7 AM to 8 PM to vote in person or return a ballot

Published

on

Photo Credit: County of Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (RR/CC) Dean C. Logan announced that 525 additional Vote Centers will open for the Presidential Primary Election on Saturday, March 2.

Vote Centers will open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM and on Election Day, March 5, from 7 AM to 8 PM to vote in person or return a ballot.

A full list and map of Vote Center locations and wait times is available online here: (Link)

First-time voters who missed the registration deadline can visit any Vote Center, complete a Conditional Voter Registration, and cast a ballot in this election. Voters can also update their registration information, including their party affiliation, to receive their preferred party’s ballot or request a crossover ballot.

The quickest method to participate in this election is to return the Vote by Mail ballot by mail (no postage required) or in person at any Official Ballot Drop Box or Vote Center location.

Registered voters should have already received a ballot by mail. After submitting their ballot, California voters can track their ballot through a tool called “Where’s My Ballot?” It sends notifications via email, text or voice call.

Return ballot by mail

You can mail in your ballot as long as it is postmarked by Tuesday, March 5. You can also drop off your ballot at a secure box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. You can find a ballot drop-off location by visiting caearlyvoting.sos.ca.gov.

Vote early in person

More than 100 voting centers opened on February 24 across Los Angeles County for residents to cast in-person ballots for the upcoming presidential primary election.

The centers will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters can cast their ballots at any center, regardless of where they live in the county. A list of nearby locations can be found online at locator.lavote.gov.

On March 2, more than 600 vote center locations will open across the county.

Return ballot in person

You can drop off your ballot at any polling location or your local county elections office by 8 p.m. on March 5. To find your polling location visit www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place and enter your address.

Vote in person on Super Tuesday elections day

To vote on Election Day, you must go to your designated polling place. You can find where your polling place is located by putting in your home address in poll locators on websites including Vote.org, Google.com or on your local elections website.

Voter info by county

Los Angeles County

Orange County

Ventura County

Riverside County

San Bernardino County

Click here for your SoCal guide to Super Tuesday and the 2024 California primary election.

Metro offers free rides and ballot box drop-offs

The Los Angeles area regional transit agency Metro is again offering free public transit rides on Election Day to help voters reach the polls.

Metro issued a map of its route lines which includes nine locations that have dropoff boxes for ballots. The free rides include all Metro buses, trains, bike share and Micro rideshare.

On Election Day – Tuesday March 5 – polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. but the free rides continue until midnight.

The Super Tuesday ballot includes the presidential race, California’s U.S. Senate seat, multiple seats in Congress and many local races and measures.

Ride free election day Tuesday

Ballot drop off at 9 stations. Voters can safely and securely drop off their ballots at these Metro station Vote-by-Mail drop boxes:

  • El Monte Bus Station
  • Harbor Freeway Station
  • Harbor Gateway Transit Center
  • Hollywood/Western Station
  • North Hollywood Station B
  • Norwalk Station
  • Westlake/MacArthur Park Station
  • Wilshire/Vermont Station
  • Union Station (East Portal)

Metro’s plan trip Google/Apple maps, http://metro.net

LA County polling locations etc http://lavote.gov


Continue Reading

Southern California

Triple A: Local gas prices resume climbing after brief pause

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.74, which is ten cents higher than a week ago

Published

on

Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices began climbing again this week after a brief week-long pause in most areas, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.74, which is ten cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.32, which is five cents higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.85 per gallon, which is five cents more than last week, 27 cents higher than last month, and one cent higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.86, which is five cents more than last week, 27 cents higher than last month, and one cent higher than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.81, which is four cents higher than last week, 25 cents higher than last month, and four cents more than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.72, which is four cents higher than last week, 32 cents higher than last month and two cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.62 average price is four cents more than last week, six cents more than last month, and 15 cents lower than a year ago today.

“According to Oil Price Information Service, the latest Energy Information Administration data is showing increased refinery production on the West Coast while gasoline inventories declined,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Gas prices are likely to increase further in the next few months as consumer fuel demand grows in the spring and summer months.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Feb. 29, averages are:

022924

Continue Reading

Southern California

Triple A: SoCal Gas Prices Pause

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in Southern California is $4.64, which is the same as a week ago

Published

on

Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Local gas prices in most areas remained unchanged for the week after three straight weeks of price increases, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.64, which is the same as a week ago. The average national price is $3.27, which is one cent lower than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.80 per gallon, which is the same as last week, 14 cents higher than last month, and three cents lower than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.81, which is one cent more than last week, 23 cents higher than last month, and two cents lower than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.77, which is two cents higher than last week, 19 cents higher than last month, and two cents more than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.68, which is the same as last week, 30 cents higher than last month and four cents lower than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.58 average price is unchanged from last week, four cents lower than last month, and 14 cents lower than a year ago today.

“Although refinery maintenance continues to cause some production outages in Southern California, indications are that the regular unleaded gasoline supply is sufficient for now,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe.

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Feb. 22, averages are:

022224

Continue Reading

Southern California

Heavy rain at times with flash flooding, landslides & mudflows

The storm will affect the area through Wednesday, bringing periods of moderate to heavy rain- potential for flooding, rock slides & mudslides

Published

on

NWS/KTLA 5 Live Radar screenshot February 19 at 11:00 AM

LOS ANGELES – As heavy rainfall hampered the President’s Day commuting traffic, around the Southern California region the latest storm system is bringing heavier precipitation and a more likely threat of flooding to Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Calabasas until 6:00 PM.

“Radar and automated rain gauges indicated light to moderate showers overspreading the warned area,” NWS said Monday morning. “Heavier showers will overspread the warned area throughout the day.”

The storm is expected to dump 2 to 5 inches of rain along the coastal areas and valleys of metro Los Angeles through Wednesday morning with higher totals in the foothills and mountains

The Los Angeles Times noted that compared with the historic storm that pummeled the region earlier this month, forecasters expect “much less rain” for Los Angeles County this time but warned that there are still concerns about the prospect for flooding, landslides and mudflows — particularly in the Santa Monica Mountains and Hollywood Hills — because of the soaking Southern California received from the previous storm.

KTLA 5 News is bringing current conditions up-to-date in its live updating here: (KTLA)

From KTLA:

The Emergency Operations Center in Los Angeles has activated “Level 2” preparedness to respond to the storm.

” Emergency crews remain ready to respond to the effects of the storm and potential of mud and debris flows, power outages and roadway obstructions,” city officials said.

Latest:

105 FREEWAY ON-RAMP CLOSURE

Related

A SigAlert has been issued for the Hawthorne Boulevard on-ramp to the eastbound 105 Freeway due to roadway flooding.

The closure will last for an unknown duration, CHP officials said on X, formerly Twitter.

L.A. COUNTY EVACUATION WARNING

An evacuation warning has been issued along Santa Maria Road north of Topanga Canyon Boulevard near Woodland Hills, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Lost Hills Station.

The warning, issued due to possible mud and debris flows in the area, began at 9 a.m. Monday and lasts through 9 a.m. Wednesday.

NWS Forecast: A strong storm will affect the area through Wednesday, bringing periods of moderate to heavy rain (2-5 inches of rain, except 4-8 inches in favored mountains and foothills), mountain snow (1-3 feet above 7500 feet), strong south to SE winds, potential for flooding, rock slides and mudslides, and possible power outages. The heaviest rain and most significant impacts will be tonight through Tuesday Stay safe: avoid low-lying areas and large waves at the coast, be prepared for coastal flood impacts Monday and Tuesday mornings. Monitor the latest weather forecast.

Continue Reading

Southern California

Significant rainfall moving into water-logged SoCal

The heaviest rain and most significant impacts will be Sunday night through Tuesday. Flood watches have been issued for much of the region

Published

on

NWS/Los Angeles Blade Graphic

OXNARD, Calif. – A strong storm will affect most of Southern California through Wednesday, bringing periods of moderate to heavy rain (2-5 inches of rain, except 4-8 inches in favored mountains and foothills), mountain snow (1-3 feet above 7500 feet), strong south to SE winds, potential for flooding, rock slides and mudslides, and possible power outages. The heaviest rain and most significant impacts will be Sunday night through Tuesday. 

Graphic by National Weather Service LA/Oxnard

Although the upcoming storm isn’t expected to bring the same amount of rainfall to Southern California as the previous one, NWS meteorologist David Gomberg told KLTA the storm still poses a threat.

“Even though the rainfall totals aren’t as significant as last week, we could see some fairly high-intensity rainfall,” he said. “That presents its own risk as well. Kind of a shorter duration, higher intensity with any potential thunderstorm activity, or just even heavier shower activity.”

Flood watches have been issued for much of the region.

Gomberg adds that the biggest concern for the region is that the soil in the ground is still very saturated.

“There hasn’t been enough time related to do much drying, so we are more vulnerable than normal,” Gomberg added. “It’s not going to take as much rain, in terms of amount or intensity to cause some additional issues.”

In the Los County region, the City of West Hollywood is urging residents to stay informed and use caution during continued heavy rains.

The heavy rains, which are currently forecasted to take place Sunday, February 18, 2024 through Wednesday, February 21, 2024. A National Weather Service flood watch is in effect for Los Angeles County from 4 p.m. on Sunday through 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

During heavy rains, stay prepared:

  • Keep emergency supplies, such as a flashlight, water, food, a first-aid kit, portable radio, and extra batteries on-hand and easily accessible.
  • Clear all drains and rain gutters on your property and dispose of all trash and yard trimmings properly to avoid blocking drains.
  • Know how to turn off utilities.
  • Monitor forecasts to be aware of weather that may impact the area.
  • Subscribe to receive Alert LA County emergency notifications by email or text message by signing up at https://ready.lacounty.gov/alerts and subscribe to Nixle public safety alerts by texting your ZIP code to 888-777.

As a reminder, driving in rain, whether a drizzle or a heavy downpour, can be dangerous. Rainy conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates. Adjust your driving style for wet roads and reduced visibility. The following tips will help ensure driving safely during rainy days: slow down; turn on headlights; use windshield wipers; maintain a safe distance; avoid heavy braking; watch for standing water; let off the accelerator when hydroplaning; and ventilate your car during rain.

Continue Reading

Southern California

Triple A: Gas prices continue upward for third week

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.64, which is five cents higher than a week ago

Published

on

Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade

LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices are still rising this month as refineries in the area are conducting both planned and unexpected maintenance due to equipment breakdowns, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch.

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.64, which is five cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.28, which is 13 cents higher than a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.80 per gallon, which is eight cents higher than last week, 17 cents higher than last month, and eight cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.80, which is six cents more than last week, 15 cents higher than last month, and eight cents more than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.75, which is five cents higher than last week, 10 cents higher than last month, and nine cents more than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.68, which is nine cents higher than last week, 21 cents higher than last month and nine cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.58 average price is two cents higher than last week, nine cents lower than last month, and six cents lower than a year ago today.

Casinos, like any other businesses, may be affected by changes in transportation costs. If a casino relies on goods and services that are transported by vehicles running on gasoline, increased gas prices could lead to higher operational costs for the casino.

“Southern California refineries are continuing to report planned and unplanned maintenance, which creates supply uncertainty and drives up prices at the pump,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Local gas prices tend to rise throughout most of the early months of the year, so drivers should make sure they are shopping around for the best pump price and economizing on fuel usage as much as possible by combining trips, driving the speed limit and avoiding sudden braking and ‘jackrabbit’ starts.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Feb. 15, averages are:

021524

Continue Reading

Southern California

Triple A: Gas prices rise for second straight week

The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.59, which is three cents higher than a week ago

Published

on

Triple A Auto Club/Los Angeles Blade graphic

LOS ANGELES – Southern California gas prices continued rapidly upward for the second straight week as refineries started producing the more expensive ‘summer blend’ gasoline and undergoing annual maintenance, according to the Auto Club’s Weekend Gas Watch. The average price for self-serve regular gasoline in California is $4.59, which is three cents higher than a week ago. The average national price is $3.15, which is the same as a week ago.

The average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area is $4.72 per gallon, which is six cents higher than last week, the same as last month, and six cents higher than last year. In San Diego, the average price is $4.74, which is seven cents more than last week, one cent lower than last month, and eight cents more than this time last year.

On the Central Coast, the average price is $4.70, which is five cents higher than last week, three cents lower than last month, and 10 cents more than last year. In Riverside, the average per-gallon price is $4.59, which is 10 cents higher than last week, one cent higher than last month and eight cents higher than a year ago. In Bakersfield, the $4.56 average price is two cents lower than last week, 21 cents lower than last month, and five cents lower than a year ago today.

“Oil Price Information Service on Wednesday reported a few announced planned and unplanned shutdowns at Southern California refineries that could affect supply,” said Auto Club Spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Since this is the time of year with lower demand, it is unknown whether the shutdowns will cause enough of a supply shortage to require imported gasoline, which typically pushes prices up until the imported supply arrives.”

The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Feb. 8, averages are:

020824

Continue Reading

Popular