Scientists have warned for months this day would come: The start of a long rainy season for Southern California likely to bring flooding, destruction with some relief from a 7-year drought to the parched paradise.
Hollywood woke up to real rain Tuesday, not just the special effects of a disaster movie set. And it is not the usually slow pitter-patter of tiny raindrops falling on their heads. While it might seem to be the start of another Sharknado sequel, it is actually the dreaded El Niño, which forecasters predict could bring historic levels of rain to the region.
The morning drive in LA. Passenger side video. #LARain #NBC4You pic.twitter.com/WQvsihTRdl
-- Anthony Yanez (@AnthonyNBCLA) January 5, 2016
The National Weather Service warned residents to expect urban and small stream flooding, which means the streets will be very wet. Drivers who rarely see heavy rain are put on notice: "MOST FLOOD DEATHS OCCUR IN AUTOMOBILES. NEVER DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE INTO AREAS WHERE THE WATER COVERS THE ROADWAY. FLOOD WATERS ARE USUALLY DEEPER THAN THEY APPEAR. WHEN ENCOUNTERING FLOODED ROADS MAKE THE SMART CHOICE...TURN AROUND...DONT DROWN."
Umbrella stock in Cali about to surge exponentially. #ElNino
-- Tre'vell Anderson (@TrevellAnderson) January 5, 2016
#ElNiño is officially here. Too bad most of the rain that falls in LA will go to waste. https://t.co/r1dfeOIBZ0 pic.twitter.com/F2neNkwDZh
-- L.A. Times Opinion (@latimesopinion) January 5, 2016
While the rain may be fun for some, it's pure misery for the many thousands of homeless who normally shelter on hillsides, under bridges and on the bed of the normally-dry Los Angeles River.
We're working as a city to help #homeless Angelenos during #ElNino rains. Shelter info at https://t.co/3NOWn4puHS pic.twitter.com/gLHtvxhVSc
-- LA Mayor's Office (@LAMayorsOffice) January 5, 2016
Most played song on Los Angeles radio today? "It Never Rains in Southern California"
The sound of rain on the roof accompanied by every LA dj playing every song ever written about precipitation #ElNino pic.twitter.com/K9FA0eeoQw
-- Maria Speidel (@mariaspeidel) January 5, 2016
Loving the rain this week. Ready for you, #ElNino. #MightRegretThisTweet pic.twitter.com/suDNNYT2Ux
-- Kerrie Smith (@kerriebrynn) January 5, 2016
Taking a positive outlook on #ElNino: more opportunities to kiss in the rain 💋 pic.twitter.com/NqOc5qLeXw
-- On Air/Ryan Seacrest (@OnAirWithRyan) January 5, 2016
