‘Storm train’ barrels into Southern California with thunderstorms, flooding fears — and more rain on the way

A sequence of storms is expected to bring rain, thunderstorms and strong surf to California, with Southern California facing unsettled weather for at least a week. The main concern is localised flooding and hazardous coastal conditions, although a National Weather Service meteorologist described the storms as relatively ordinary.

Rainfall across much of Southern California is forecast at a quarter-inch to three-quarters of an inch by Saturday morning, with nearly an inch possible during storms on Wednesday and Thursday. A high surf advisory for Los Angeles County runs from Friday afternoon to Tuesday afternoon, with waves of 7 to 12 feet expected on Saturday. NOAA says El Niño is likely to strengthen through year-end, with a 60% chance it will be the strongest recorded since 1950.