FLASH FLOOD WARNING EXTENSION until 10 pm pst for S. Cali..

[WXBUFFJIM]

The National Weather Service in San Diego, California has extended a flash flood warning, in effect for burned areas of San Diego County, Riverside County, and for burned areas of southwestern San Bernardino County in effect until 10 PM PST.

A urban a small stream flood advisory has been extended until 10 PM PST for the San Diego County coastal areas, the inland empire, and Orange County, California.

Through this evening, expect Heavy showers and thunderstorms in the burned areas of San Diego, Riverside, and southwestern San Bernardino Counties. Doppler radar indicates hourly rainfall rates of over 1/2 inch an hour is possible over the burned areas. This type of rain on top of burned areas will likely cause flash flooding as well as deadly mudslides and rockslides. 1.63" of rain has fallen at LAX so far as of early afternoon. However with more moderate to heavy rain in place at LAX, higher amounts are expected. 2-3" of total rainfall is anticipated for LAX and San Diego with 3-6" possible for the burned areas by Monday morning. Heavy snow is expected above 4500 feet in the mountains with several more inches on top of the existing snow already present. Reports of 2 feet of snow have been received above 6000 feet in the LA and Ventura County mountains and we could add another foot on top of that tonight. In addition Snow levels are expected to drop from 6000 feet down to 3000-4500 feet tonight.

Residents and persons driving near flood waters and especially in the burned areas need to be on the alert for heavy mud and debris flows, which may block roads and culverts. Potentially dangerous flooding and property loss could be occurring with this storm system. What's even more dangerous is it's dark outside, which makes it hard to see anything!!!

A flash flood warning is issued when flash flooding is immient or is occurring. Move to higher ground and do not drive or walk through flooded roadways because of unknown depth. Also water weighs 60 pounds a cubic foot. That's alot of water that's overtaking your body when combined with the swift current. Bottom line, don't take any chances. Flash flood watch continues until 3 am for Los Angeles and San Diego areas.

Additional heavy rain is expected Wednesday and Thursday in southern California with strong winds, heavy surf, and heavy mountain snows once again. This midweek storm could be even stronger than the one we're facing now. Keep an eye on this folks!

Jim