SANTA MONICA—On Thursday, December 24, the National Weather Service office in Los Angeles and Oxnard, CA issued a weather alert at 9:04 a.m. about thunderstorms expected to strike the Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area and the Western San Fernando Valley.
The storm will include torrential rain pours. It will be accompanied by hail of about one quarter of an inch and strong winds of up to 55 miles an hour.
Areas affected by this alert include Pacific Palisades, Woodland Hills, Canyon Road through the Santa Monica Mountains, Mandeville Canyon, Reseda, Tarzana, Encino, Canoga Park, Calabasas, Topanga, and Winnetka.
The NWS advises anyone who is outside to seek shelter. This is not just because of the strong winds but because the torrential rain might cause flooding. In addition, it recommends that anyone who is traveling avoid using flooded roads.
As the storm might intensify, the National Weather Service suggests that people monitor television stations and local radio stations for further information about the storm as well as possible warnings.
By Daniel Diquinzio