Sudden Squall, Flash Flood Warning Surprises Westside on Thursday

Sudden storms brought Thunder, lightning and even hail to the Westside on Wednesday and Thursday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a severe thunderstorm warning and also a flash flood alert for Western Los Angeles County. This at 4:33 pm PST on March 6, 2024. The alert reads as follows:

"Flash Flood Warning in effect for Western Los Angeles County until 10:00PM. Dangerous street flooding is possible. Avoid non-essential travel. DO NOT walk, swim or drive your vehicle through flood waters."

Over an inch of rain fell Wednesday. Rain had not been predicted for Thursday, but fell in the afternoon starting at about 4:15 pm PST. Another inch fell on Thursday.

The weather system brought hail along with heavy downpours and gusty winds up to 60 mph. The NWS said some areas saw 1 to 2 inches of rain within one hour.

In Woodland Hills near Pierce College, up to 0.70 inches of rain was accumulated within a 30-minute period amid the fast-moving thunderstorm.

A special weather statement was in effect in Pasadena, El Monte, West Covina until 5:45 p.m. concerning windy conditions and penny-sized hail.