Amid a winter storm and a rare blizzard warning in California, a new warning has gone into effect for residents in the downstate.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for Los Angeles County.
The alert takes effect as soon as it is sent, at 2:17 p.m., until 10 p.m. this Friday.
Affected areas include Castaic, Santa Clarita, San Fernando, Calabazas, El Monte, Pomona, Whittier, Simi Valley, Santa Barbara, Lompoc, among other towns.
“This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation. Try not to travel unless you are fleeing an area that is flooded or has an evacuation order,” the alert reads.
The NWS said rain is expected to continue throughout the day with an additional 2-5 inches of rain falling.
Authorities remember that if you see flooding on the road, don’t try to cross it. These can be dangerous and you can easily lose control of your vehicle.
In January, a mother lost control of her car as she drove into a flooded area and her five-year-old son was swept away in Santa Barbara County.
That’s why the NWS repeats, “If you see flooding, don’t drive through it, turn around. You can’t tell how deep the water is and you (and your vehicle) could be swept away.”
Telemundo 52