California braces for dangerous flooding as massive storm moves in

Six inches of rain is forecast for Southern California. Mudslides are possible.

ByEmily Shapiro, Max Golembo, Daniel Amarante, and Melissa Griffin
February 24, 2023, 3:42 PM

California is bracing for dangerous flooding as a rare winter storm slams the state.

PHOTO: In an aerial view, a dusting of snow covers the property at the Castello di Amorosa Winery on Feb. 24, 2023 in Calistoga, California.
In an aerial view, a dusting of snow covers the property at the Castello di Amorosa Winery on Feb. 24, 2023 in Calistoga, California.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Six inches of rain is forecast for the Southern California coast, from Santa Barbara to San Diego, Friday night into Saturday. Wind gusts could reach 70 mph and flooding and mudslides are possible.

In Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, rainfall rates could reach 1 inch per hour.

PHOTO: A snowman stands as snow blankets the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County on February 23, 2023 near Claremont, California.
A snowman stands as snow blankets the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County on February 23, 2023 near Claremont, California.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
PHOTO: Kamal Rahm,3, of Carlsbad, enjoys the snow at Yucaipa Community Park in Yucaipa, Calif., on Thursday, February 23, 2023. (Terry Pierson/The Orange County Register via AP)
Kamal Rahm,3, of Carlsbad, enjoys the snow at Yucaipa Community Park in Yucaipa, Calif., on Thursday, February 23, 2023. (Terry Pierson/The Orange County Register via AP)
Terry Pierson/AP

California is also seeing snow. A rare blizzard warning was issued for Southern California where up to 8 feet of snow is possible in the highest elevations in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains.

Snowfall rates could reach 2 inches per hour. Strong winds and whiteout conditions are expected.

PHOTO: In this photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, a snow plow clears snow near the 2,200 ft summit of San Marcos Pass along Highway 154 in Santa Barbara County, Calif., Feb. 23, 2023.
In this photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, a snow plow clears snow near the 2,200 ft summit of San Marcos Pass along Highway 154 in Santa Barbara County, Calif., Feb. 23, 2023.
Mike Eliason/AP
PHOTO: A man walks near the entrance to snow-covered Mount Tamalpais State Park in Mill Valley, Calif., Feb. 24, 2023.
A man walks near the entrance to snow-covered Mount Tamalpais State Park in Mill Valley, Calif., Feb. 24, 2023.
Haven Daley/AP

A dusting of snow has even reached the hills around San Francisco and the hills of Hollywood.

PHOTO: With temperatures in the 30's, a dusting of snow is seen early Thursday morning, Feb. 23, 2023, above the homes in the Porter Ranch section of Los Angeles, in the north end of the San Fernando Valley.
With temperatures in the 30's, a dusting of snow is seen early Thursday morning, Feb. 23, 2023, above the homes in the Porter Ranch section of Los Angeles, in the north end of the San Fernando Valley.
Dean Musgrove/The Orange County Register via AP

In the Midwest, residents are digging out from their own winter storm.

Over 600,000 customers in Michigan are without power Friday after an ice storm hit, coating trees and power lines.

A volunteer firefighter in Paw Paw, Michigan, died Wednesday evening when a power line fell on him, according to Paw Paw Fire Chief Jim DeGroff. The buildup of ice caused a tree limb to snap the line, DeGroff said.

A GoFundMe identified the victim as Ethan Quillen, who leaves behind his wife and daughter.

Minneapolis saw over 1 foot of snow, marking the city’s second-biggest February snowstorm.

PHOTO: A man goes for a walk in front of the Minneapolis skyline at Bde Maka Ska Park during a snowstorm in Minneapolis, Feb. 22, 2023.
A man goes for a walk in front of the Minneapolis skyline at Bde Maka Ska Park during a snowstorm in Minneapolis, Feb. 22, 2023.
Craig Lassig/AFP via Getty Images
PHOTO: Traffic is moving on interstate 35W during a snowstorm in Minneapolis, Feb. 22, 2023.
Traffic is moving on interstate 35W during a snowstorm in Minneapolis, Feb. 22, 2023.
Craig Lassig/AFP via Getty Images
PHOTO: People clear snow from a driveway during a snowstorm in Minneapolis, Feb. 22, 2023.
People clear snow from a driveway during a snowstorm in Minneapolis, Feb. 22, 2023.
Craig Lassig/AFP via Getty Images

Looking ahead, a short-lived cold blast is expected for the Northeast.

In Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, damaging winds and hail are forecast for Sunday evening.

And that storm is forecast to reach the Northeast Monday night into Tuesday, potentially bringing heavy snow to New England.

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