Southern California was pummeled this afternoon by a powerful rainstorm, prompting flash-flood warnings and new evacuations in the Sierra Madre area [Updated at 6 p.m.: The mandatory evacuations in Sierra Madre were lifted).
The storm brought thunder storms, lightning, hail and snow in both the Cajon Pass and the Grapevine. The snow level was expected to drop below 4,000 feet this evening.
The Sierra Madre evacuations apply to all streets above Churchill Road and Old Ranch Road, all streets above Woodland Drive and Sturtevant Drive, all streets above Lotus Lane at Camillio Street, the private sections of Auburn Avenue above Elm Street. The Community Recreation Center on Sierra Madre Boulevard has been established as an evacuation center.
The National Weather Service issued a flash-flood warning for foothill areas burned in the Station fire just after 1 p.m, saying trained weather spotters had recorded very heavy rainfall and hail around La Cañada Flintridge. The warning is in effect until 5 p.m.
Authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders Monday night for more than 500 residences in mudslide-prone areas in La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta and Acton. Sheriff’s deputies ordered residents to leave their homes by 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Patchy showers and isolated thunderstorms will come in two waves — one Tuesday afternoon and another Tuesday night — bringing at least one-third of an inch of rain and possibly as much as 2 inches, with snow falling as low as 2,500 feet, forecasters with the National Weather Service in Oxnard said.
As much as half an inch of rain is expected to fall throughout Los Angeles County and could cause widespread roadway flooding.
Small hail and coastal tornadoes called waterspouts are also possible, forecasters said.
A complete list of addresses under evacuation orders is available on the Department of Public Works website.
Evacuation centers have been set up at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2411 Montrose Ave., Montrose, and the Acton Community Center at 3748 Nickels Ave. in Acton, authorities said.
— Tony Barboza
Photos: Storms pound the Southland
Photo: A rainbow appears over downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday evening. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times