A person walks with an umbrella on a bridge over the 101 Freeway Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, in Los Angeles. Officials will trek into the mountains on Thursday to measure California's snowpack again, seeking to learn whether recent storms have added to the water supply. The survey comes as a new storm arrives in the state, prompting some voluntary evacuations. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Republished February 01, 2019 - 8:24 PM
Original Publication Date February 01, 2019 - 1:51 PM
SAN FRANCISCO - The Latest on a powerful storm heading toward California (all times local):
8:30 p.m.
The San Francisco Bay Area is under a flash-flood watch as a powerful storm begins dumping rain on the state.
The National Weather Service issued a watch Friday evening through Saturday morning for the entire Bay Area and most of the Central Coast. Forecasters say the area could see an inch of rain an hour. Some hills could get up to 4 inches from the storm.
Flood watches also have been issued for Southern California areas scarred by recent massive wildfires. Mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders also have been issued for residents near the Thomas, Whittier and Sherpa fire areas.
Forecasters also predict gusting winds and high waves from the storm. The Sierra Nevada could see 6 to 10 feet of snow at some elevations.
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1:50 p.m.
Santa Barbara County has ordered evacuations of areas near three wildfire burn scars as a major winter storm approaches California.
Under the order, residents in designated debris flow risk areas near the Thomas, Whittier and Sherpa fire scars must leave by 8 p.m. Friday. Residents of adjacent areas are urged to also consider leaving.
It has only been a little over a year since a downpour on the huge Thomas Fire burn scar unleashed a massive debris flow that destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes in the seaside community of Montecito.
The disaster killed 21 people and two others have never been found.
A Red Cross evacuation centre will open Friday evening at a community centre.
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8:52 a.m.
A powerful storm heading toward California is expected to produce heavy rainfall, damaging winds, localized stream flooding and heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada.
Forecasters say rain will arrive in the north late Friday afternoon and reach the south late in the night, and last through Saturday night.
Winter storm warnings will be in effect up and down the Sierra Nevada along with a flash flood watch in the foothills above the San Joaquin Valley.
Flash flood watches will also be issued for the wildfire burn areas of Southern California.
Santa Barbara County plans to issue an evacuation order for three fire-scarred areas if the forecast doesn't change.
The National Weather Service says two cold weather systems will follow on Sunday and Monday, bringing additional widespread showers and snow.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019