The National Weather Service has issued tornado and flood warnings for the coastal areas of Los Angeles and Ventura counties beginning this evening.
The warnings are a result of powerful frontal storm system that will hit Southwestern California today and this evening, according to the NWS. Strong thunderstorms are also possible.
The storm system is predicted to bring heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms throughout the night, due to moist and unstable air that could possible linger after the front moves through the region, states the NWS on its Web site.
Some of the thunderstorms may produce small hail and gusts of wind more than 50 mph, as well as torrential downpours. The atmospheric conditions could produce isolated, weak tornadoes, which could either form over land or move ashore after forming as waterspouts.
A coastal flood watch is also in effect from tonight through late Wednesday for all west facing beach of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. High surf conditions, with waves predicted as high as 15 to 20 feet on Wednesday and Thursday, are also expected through Friday for all west facing beaches. The NWS in Oxnard and Los Angeles issued a high surf advisory, in effect from tonight through Friday morning.
The NWS urges Southern California residents to stay tuned for latest information on weather alerts and warnings.
Warnings will be updated at www.malibutimes.com, or can be obtained at weather.gov/losangeles
—Laura Tate