Evacuation warnings issued as major storm system looms over SoCal

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Southern California is set to experience active weather this week with multiple rounds of rain and snow expected across the region.

A weaker storm will arrive early in the week, followed by a much stronger system later in the week that could bring more widespread impacts.

Evacuation orders/warnings:

The Los Angeles Fire Department has issued the following evacuation warnings for recent burn areas effective 7 a.m. March 12 to 6 p.m. March 13:

• PALISADES FIRE AREA: Getty Villa area, Highlands near the burn areas, Bienveneda area near Temescal Canyon Park, Rivas Canyon/Will Rogers State Park area, Mandeville Canyon above Tanners Road, Old Ranch Road and Rustic Creek.
• SUNSET FIRE AREA: East and South of Runyon Canyon.
• HURST FIRE AREA: Olive Lane in the Oakridge Mobile Home Park.

EATON FIRE AREA: 

• Evacuation Order Zones (Effective 7:00 AM March 12 – 6:00 PM March 13, 2025)SMD-E001, SMD-E002A, SMD-E002B, SMD-E002C, SMD-E003, SMD-E004, SMD-E005, SMD-E006A, SMD-E006B, SMD-E007, SMD-E008, SMD-E009, SMD-E010A, SMD-E010B, SMD-E011A, SMD-E011C, SMD-E012A, SMD-E012B, SMD-E012C, SMD-E012D, SMD-E013B, SMD-E014B
• Evacuation Warning Zones (Effective 7:00 AM March 12 – 6:00 PM March 13, 2025)SMD-E011D, SMD-E013A, SMD-E014A, SMD-E015, SMD-E016

>> TAP OR CLICK HERE TO SEE AN INTERACTIVE MAP OF THE EVACUATION AREAS <<

Officials said houses in warning areas considered to be high risk will get a visit from LAPD today to issue specific evacuation orders. A flyer will be left at the door if you aren't home.

Road Closures:

Caltrans announced that it will be closing a portion of Pacific Coast Highway because of the upcoming storms. Starting on Wednesday at 12 p.m., the highway will only be open to emergency vehicles and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers contractors. 

Officials hope to reopen the road by Friday at 6 a.m., though it could come sooner.

What we know:

The storm system will begin with light rain on Tuesday, followed by a cold front moving in overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning. This will lead to a three-hour to six-hour period of moderate to heavy rain, with rates of half-inch to 1 inch per hour, according to the National Weather Service.

"There will be a little break in the action tonight and most of Wednesday morning as a little pop-up ridge separating the two systems moves into the state," forecasters said.

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for the major mountains and includes foothills of the Antelope Valley from 4 p.m. Wednesday through noon Friday.

Predicted rain totals:

According to the NWS, rainfall totals for Ventura and Santa Barbara counties will be less than a quarter inch, while LA County will likely receive between a third and two-thirds of an inch of rain, with local amounts nearing an inch along the coastal slopes of the San Gabriels.

Snow levels:

The system is expected to bring substantial snowfall, with 1 to 2 feet forecasted for higher elevations, according to the NWS.

Snow levels are expected to drop to around 3,000 feet. This could result in a few inches of snow over the Grapevine and other lower elevation passes.

Officials warn travel could be very difficult to impossible due to the hazardous conditions possible Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

Cooler temperatures:

Daytime highs in downtown Los Angeles are expected to be around 60 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday, decreasing to 55 degrees on Thursday and Friday. 

Overnight lows will generally be in the 40s and lower 50s, but could drop into the 30s in mountainous areas and the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valley.

Weather-related closures:

Six Flags Magic Mountain announced it will be closed Tuesday due to the weather. All tickets purchased will be valid for any regular operating day through Dec. 31, 2025.

Looking ahead:

Current forecasts also show a chance for rain over most of the Southland next Saturday and Sunday.

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