California braces for powerful storm set to smash region as iconic bluffs hang on by a thread

California is bracing for a powerful, high-impact storm set to slam the Golden State on Monday, bringing huge waves, strong winds and widespread flood warnings.

The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of an “unusually hazardous storm” expected to hit SoCal, prompting evacuation warnings in some neighborhoods — particularly in vulnerable Palisades and Eaton Fire burn scar areas.

Meanwhile, already hazardous bluffs in iconic parts of the region could be destroyed, as the losing battle against coastal erosion continues.

“Significant weather on the horizon, that will impact travel as early as Sun night lasting into the week,” the NWS Los Angeles office wrote on X.

Forecasters warned two back-to-back weather systems will bring strong winds, heavy rain, mountain snow, thunderstorms, dangerous surf and even the possibility of isolated tornadoes.

Low-elevation snow could impact major routes including Interstate 5 and Highway 33. The NWS said between 2 and 4 inches of rain is expected along the coast and in valleys, with 4 to 8 inches forecast for mountains and foothills.

Monday is expected to mark the peak of the storm, with life-threatening flash floods, mudslides and damaging winds possible. Officials also warned of widespread power outages and major flight delays.

Ahead of the forecast, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued evacuation warnings for burn scar areas located in the neighborhoods the California wildfires tore through in January 2025 and urged residents to sign up for emergency alerts.

“Ahead of heavy rain forecasted this week, first responders, Public Works crews and City personnel are taking action to keep Angelenos safe and will be ready to respond to any potential impacts,” Bass said in a statement.

“This is likely to be another significant rain event. All Angelenos — especially those in burn scar areas — are encouraged to follow official guidance, use caution on the roads, plan ahead and stay informed.”

Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt criticized Bass on X, writing, “Someone should check and make sure the Mayor is in LA. She has a history of skipping town during major weather events,” referencing her absence when the Palisades Fire broke out.

Travel in SoCal is expected to remain treacherous through midweek as heavy snow blankets mountain passes, including I-5 at Tejon Pass, through Wednesday.

Along the coast, forecasters warned of dangerous 10-foot swells and coastal flooding through Feb. 18.

In San Diego County, already fragile coastal bluffs are particularly under threat as pounding surf and saturated soil increase the risk of collapse.

“We already have a lot of water stored in the ground from our earlier heavy rainfall interval,” geology expert Patrick Abbott told NBC 7 San Diego.

“So this week we’re adding water in the ground, which increases its weight and pushes you ever closer toward failure.”

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