Flood watches and evacuation warnings are in effect for parts of Los Angeles County as a storm moved into Southern California at the start of a week with several days of wet weather in the forecast.
Climate experts have identified an atmospheric configuration that can release huge volumes of water in a matter of minutes.
The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Los Angeles County, placing Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Beverly Hills under alert until 2:00 p.m. PST.
Weather officials are warning residents in burn scar areas and other vulnerable communities to take precautions ahead of time and be prepared if conditions become dangerous.