LAFD Urges Common Sense with Coming Rain

Spring-like February has sprung: we now return to winter already in progress.

Beginning Tuesday, a series of Pacific storms is expected to move into the southland and drop about an inch of rain by Wednesday night, said Stuart Seto, a weather specialist for the National Weather Service. 

With this low-pressure area centered around Seattle, directing moisture from the Pacific, Northeast Los Angeles can expect to see sprinkles totaling less than a quarter of an  inch into Tuesday night, Seto said. Heavier rains are due to arrive Wednesday, with temperatures hovering in the 50s during the day, and dipping into the low 40s at night.

While there should be a break in the rains Thursday, with temperatures staying in the low 50s during the day, more wet weather is expected to soak the weekend, beginning late Friday, he said. 

Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Alex Gatica urged Angelinos to use common sense in dealing with the rain and cold. 

"Stay away from the waterways," he said. "Don't be fooled by the little rivers, they pack a lot of force in the undercurrent."

He urged those looking to keep warm to double check them furnances before stoking them up, as well.

"If they haven't been used in a long time they have to be cleaned, otherwise you could spark a lint or a dust fire," he said.

Most importantly, though, Gatica urged motorists to slow down when driving along the Arroyo Seco Parkway.

"People just don't know how to drive in the rain. Caution is the main thing we profess," he said. "You just need to slow down a little bit and take your time when you're dealing with a heavy rain."