Severe storm warning in California, with possible tornadoes and flooding: affected areas
Several areas of Southern California are under severe storm warnings and the NWS is warning of possible tornadoes.
Early Monday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a severe thunderstorm warning for several parts of Southern California, as powerful storms continue sweeping across the region. Thousands of residents are also under flash flood warnings and flood advisories, with conditions expected to deteriorate through the day.
The agency urged residents to stay alert for possible tornadoes, noting that they can form quickly within severe thunderstorms.
“Tornadoes can develop rapidly from severe storms. If you spot one, move immediately to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building,” the NWS warned.
Flash Flood Threat Expands Across Los Angeles County
According to the NWS, torrential rainfall from these storms could trigger dangerous flash flooding, especially in areas with steep terrain or burn scars. Officials emphasized that drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roads, a leading cause of flood-related deaths in the U.S.
Areas under flash flood warnings include:
- Eastern Los Angeles County
- Southwest California
Communities expected to experience flash flooding include: Long Beach, West Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, Pomona, Whittier, La Verne, Covina, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Diamond Bar, Hacienda Heights, Monrovia, Claremont, Santa Fe Springs, Norwalk, Cerritos, Artesia, Bellflower, and Walnut.
Flash floods can trigger significant rockslides, mudflows, and debris flows, especially near canyons and foothills.The NWS reiterated its life‑saving message:
“Turn around, don’t drown. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles. Report any flooding to local emergency services or law enforcement when it’s safe to do so.”
Additional Flood Advisories in the Southwest Region
Another portion of southwest California — including much of Los Angeles County — is under a broader flood advisory. Areas at risk include:
Lake Los Angeles, Lancaster, Palmdale, Quartz Hill, Pearblossom, Llano, Littlerock, Elizabeth Lake, Lake Hughes, Lake Palmdale, Desert View Highlands, Highway 138 between Quail Lake and Lancaster, Castaic Lake, Pyramid Lake, Interstate 5 over the Grapevine, Highway 138 between Llano and the San Bernardino County line, and Gorman.
High wind warnings across mountain and valley regions
The NWS also issued a high wind warning, with sustained winds between 30 and 55 mph and gusts reaching up to 70 mph. These conditions could lead to downed trees, power outages, and hazardous travel — especially for high‑profile vehicles.
Regions under high wind alerts include:
- Cuyama Valley
- Antelope Valley Foothills
- Interstate 5 corridor
- Interior valleys of San Luis Obispo County
- San Luis Obispo County mountains
- Interior mountains of Santa Barbara County
- Southern Ventura County mountains
- San Gabriel Mountains
- Highway 14 corridor
Residents can check all active watches, warnings, and advisories in real time on the National Weather Service website.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment.Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.