Wet Rose Parade Looms as Southern California Braces for New year’s Storm
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A near certainty of rain threatens to dampen New Year’s celebrations in Southern California,with forecasters predicting a soaking for the 2026 rose Parade and widespread risks of flooding and debris flows. The incoming storm system, arriving on the heels of a devastating Christmas deluge, is prompting widespread emergency preparations across the region.
The National Weather Service warns of a “near 100% chance” of rain falling along the parade route, beginning late Wednesday night and continuing through Thursday morning.This marks the first wet New Year’s Day organizers have faced as 2006.
Forecast Details: Rain, Thunderstorms, and lightning Risks
According to a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office, the heaviest rainfall is expected to begin late Wednesday and persist into Thursday morning. There is a 20% to 30% chance of thunderstorms within that timeframe, with the risk tapering off around 9 to 10 a.m.Thursday – roughly two to three hours after the parade’s 8 a.m. kickoff.
Four floats experienced breakdowns and musicians struggled with wet instruments – organizers are taking preventative steps. Float riders will be equipped with ponchos, and additional tow trucks will be strategically positioned along the route. Notably, umbrellas are prohibited along the parade route to ensure visibility for all attendees. Spectators are encouraged to bring rain jackets or ponchos rather.
Widespread Flood and Debris Flow Concerns
Beyond the parade, urban flooding remains a major risk throughout Pasadena and Los Angeles County. The city’s Emergency Operations Center was activated Wednesday to coordinate preparedness efforts. Police are proactively contacting residents in vulnerable areas, and the Los Angeles Fire Department has increased staffing to prepare for potential swift-water rescues and debris flows.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday that the state has pre-positioned fire, rescue, and emergency crews in areas most susceptible to flooding, mudslides, and debris flows, with a particular focus on recent burn scar areas. “California is once again bracing for intense winter weather, and we’re taking every precaution to keep people safe,” Newsom stated.
The current storm follows a Christmas holiday deluge that resulted in fatalities, numerous swift-water rescues, and downed trees. While the New Year’s system is not expected to be as intense, saturated soil significantly increases the risk of rock- and mudslides.
Evacuations and Road Closures
Evacuation warnings are in effect, beginning at 11 a.m. wednesday, for areas surrounding the Franklin and Palisades fires near Pacific palisades, the Eaton fire in Altadena, the Canyon fire near Castaic, the Agua and Lidia fires near the Magic Mountain Wilderness Area, the Bridge fire near Wrightwood, the Sunset fire near West Hollywood, and the Kenneth fire near Calabasas.
A road closure is planned for Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive, starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Crews from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the California Highway Patrol, and the California Department of Transportation are staged statewide to respond to potential emergencies.
Resources deployed to Los Angeles and Ventura counties include seven swift-water rescue teams, three bulldozers, four hand crews, seven fire engines, two helicopters, one urban search-and-rescue company, and over 20 support personnel.
Mayor Karen Bass urged all Los Angeles residents to “stay vigilant, use caution on the roads – especially if traveling for the New Year’s holiday – and sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyLA.org.” The Los Angeles County board of Supervisors ratified a local emergency proclamation Wednesday morning to facilitate storm damage reimbursement and expedite recovery efforts.
Rainfall totals are expected to range from three-quarters of an inch to 2 inches in coastal and valley areas, with 2 to 5 inches possible in foothill and mountain communities. An additional half-inch of rain is possible Friday. Flood watches remain in effect for much of Los Angeles and Orange counties through Thursday evening. The most meaningful concerns are concentrated along coastal and foothill regions from Santa Barbara through Los Angeles counties, as well as parts of the Sacramento Valley and Sierra Nevada foothills.
