California Storm Produces 12 Inches of Rain

Following one of the biggest storms in recent California history, the rain has finally stopped in Los Angeles. 

The atmospheric river brought record-breaking levels of rain to Southern California, leaving behind death, power outages, and infrastructure damage in the region. 

How Much Rain Was Dropped? 

While reports vary on the exact amount of precipitation that was dropped on Los Angeles, the consensus is that it was around 12 inches of rain. 

According to meteorologists at UCLA, Los Angeles received 12.46 inches of rain, making it a 1,000-year event. A 1,000-year rainfall event means that the sort of weather we just experienced has a 0.1% chance of happening each year.  

If UCLA’s statistics are correct, Los Angeles comfortably broke the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s threshold for a thousand–year rain by 1.1 inches. 

Only counting February 4th and 5th, Downtown Los Angeles received just over seven inches of rain, making it the third wetted two-day span since weather records began in 1877. 

Los Angeles received nearly 200% of the rain that is normal for this time of year. 

However, Southern California wasn’t the only place in the state to be impacted by the historic weather event. Following a weak end of 2023, the Sierra Nevada snowpack is now 57% above average after back-to-back storms. 

Most of the Sierra Nevada ski resorts received 2.5 feet of snow as the snow season total for the season is now over 13 feet. 

As a result, the State Water Project’s allocation of resources will likely increase from 5% during the next snow survey. 

The Impact on the Greater LA Area

While the record-breaking storm has helped California improve its rainfall and snowpack levels following a disappointing start to the year, it also caused major destruction in the Los Angeles area. 

The atmospheric river has killed nine people in Southern California, a number that could grow larger as the floods dissipate. 

In addition, the city experienced 475 mudslides, nearly 400 fallen trees, and 12 structure fires. Although there is no official number, it’s expected that water damage has harmed dozens of homes and buildings. 

Need Restoration Help?

Due to the mass amounts of rain and flash flooding, many structures have been damaged around the Greater Los Angeles area. 

As a result, many will require restoration to deal with the water damage that the atmospheric river has caused to homes and commercial buildings. 

To find a vendor that performs restoration from water damage, you can access BOMA’s membership directory by clicking here. 

After logging in, you will have access to many companies that provide this service. 

Until then, keep up with BOMA on the Frontline for the latest news in the Greater Los Angeles Area.