NWS Update 11a 1/1/26 24 hour rainfall totals:
Hollywood Reservoir: 1.72
Beverly Hills: 2.07
Bel Air: 2.20
DTLA: 1.74
LAX: 1.15
Malibu: 1.44
Burbank: 1.84
Eaton Wash: 2.50
NWS Update 9a 12/31:
A Flood Watch is in effect for West Hollywood and much of southwest California from this evening through Thursday night as a strong winter storm brings heavy rainfall. Residents should prepare for potential urban flooding and a high risk of mudslides in canyon areas due to saturated soil.
Out with the old, in with a new… storm that is expected to break more West Hollywood weather forecast rainfall totals over the next several days. We could have an additional 2 inches added to the already soaked ground when it’s all said and done. In fact, we could potentially have 80% of our yearly total rainfall by the end of 2025, before we head into the traditionally wettest months of January and February.
Hollywood Reservoir station on average gets 16.92 inches of rain per year. As of 11 a.m. 1/1/2026 it’s reporting 13.13 inches. Los Angeles averages 14.25 inches of rain per year. To date, it’s already logged 13.10 inches. Normal cumulative rainfall by this time of year is 3.99 inches.
Expect the heaviest rain during the first wave. We’ll likely see light rain starting Wednesday afternoon, but the real mess kicks in Wednesday night and hangs around through New Year’s Day. Some of the heavier cells could dump a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch per hour. A second, weaker system follows Friday night into Saturday. It won’t be as intense, but with the ground already a sponge from the first round, it won’t take much to cause more problems.
The NWS is suggesting roughly 1 to 3 inches for coasts and valleys, with 3 to 5 inches possible in foothills and mountain areas which will secure our record breaking year-end totals for the record books. Thunderstorms are also possible, along with wind gusts around 40 mph in some spots.
This is also a Rose Parade story now. Forecasters have been saying New Year’s Day in Pasadena looks wet, including the night before when people camp along the route. The parade has dealt with rain before, but it’s not common, only 10 times in its 137 year history. The last time was 2006.
Last week is the reminder. That Christmas storm set daily rainfall records including at LAX, and downtown L.A. logged its wettest Christmas stretch in decades. Even with lighter totals this time, the ground is saturated, which is why we have problems with flooding and trees toppling.
The City is offering free sandbags to residents and businesses. Sandbags will be available for pickup at 7317 Romaine Street by appointment on Dec. 30 and 31, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Availability is limited to 10 sandbags per resident or business, while supplies last.
