Moderate to heavy rain swept through Southern California Wednesday, and the National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for large areas of the region.
The morning weather made it difficult for students to get to class, as many were unprepared for the rain and hail. Flooding around campus also proved to be an added challenge for groups maintaining some of USC’s Rivalry Week traditions.
The Trojan Knights and the Helenes were caught in the first storm of the season as they guard Tommy Trojan, Hecuba and other statues on campus for Conquest during Rivalry Week against UCLA. The rain and hail storm flooded the section of Hahn Plaza and the Village where the Knights and Helenes pitched their E-Z up tents, respectively.
“We ended up having to move all of our stuff onto our cots and chairs and tables,” senior William Masdon said. “And then when it got to the point where it was flooding, we ourselves had to join among the ranks of our things, and climb on to things to keep from flooding our shoes.”
Members added that the E-Z up tents were useful during the light rainfall Tuesday evening and kept their belongings relatively dry. But when heavy rain began Wednesday morning, efforts had to be taken to remove water to keep the tents stable.
“You can still see puddles and pools over there because we’re at the decline of the plaza so everything flows towards us, which is very unfortunate,” junior Anav Saxena said. “But I think what this shows is definitely our commitment to Tommy Watch. This is what we’re here to do, and whether it be hail, torrential rain, lightning, thunder, we’re going to be out here and we’re going to be protecting Tommy.”
Helenes member Adrika Yousuf, a sophomore majoring in political science, said although Helenes were not as prepared for the rain as they would have liked to be, guarding Hecuba has still been an enjoyable experience.
“It’s been a bit tough because nobody has tents or tarps here but it’s been a good bonding experience for the org,” Yousuf said. “We’ve been exchanging materials [with Trojan Knights] to keep each other dry and it’s been a good way for the two orgs to build a stronger relationship with each other.”
Yousuf added that the constant flooding is a challenge, but she is committed to the duties she holds as a Helene.
“[We’re still guarding the statue because] it’s tradition and also because not everyone gets to be a part of the Helenes and the Knights because we were the ones that got lucky enough and it’s our job,” Yousuf said.
Another Helenes member, junior Hannah Mulroe, said her experience hasn’t been dampened by the rain. If anything it has raised her and her peers’ spirits, she said.
“Guarding the statue has been really fun,” Mulroe said. “So far, no UCLA rebels have come, but we’re ready. The weather has been a little unfavorable but we have a lot of nice people giving us tents and tarps.”
Mulroe, a Chicago native and self-proclaimed fan of rainy weather, said it is a Helenes practice to guard Hecuba, rain or shine, and that they were better prepared for the storm than in previous years.
“This is our weakest moment, you know, UCLA sees that rain and they’re thinking, ‘Oh, this is the time to come and mess with Hecuba,’” Mulroe said.
Some students riding bikes and skateboards struggled to get to class in Wednesday’s storm as bike traffic on crosswalks and the risk of slipping made the campus difficult to navigate.
“It’s really hard riding your bike around here,” junior Alec Fischer said. “I left mine out and it rained, and the bike seat completely broke in half, so I can’t ride my bike anymore. I don’t know what happened but I’m going to have to get a new bike seat.”
Fischer added that in general, students on campus do not have bikes that are equipped to ride in the rain.
“I have a mountain bike, so it’s pretty well geared for this weather, but a lot of people don’t, they have just beach cruisers, which are not suited for this weather,” he said.
Skateboarders have a similar challenge as traditional wooden boards can soak up the rain and warp over time. Additionally, bearings can grow rusty and loose when sliding over wet surfaces.
The first predominant rainfall of the season is produced by a cold, low-pressure system arriving from the north as it moves over areas of the south Wednesday morning and afternoon. The regions under flash flood watch include the mountains, the coast and valleys of San Diego County and significant parts of the Inland Empire, ABC7 reported.
The highest risk of thunderstorms is expected to last between dawn and evening Wednesday. Lightning storms have prompted the closure of the beach and pier in Santa Monica, as well as beaches in Orange County and surrounding cities. As the storm moves in, temperatures are expected to plunge.
A few communities in Orange County, like Trabuco Canyon and surrounding neighborhoods, have been issued voluntary evacuation warnings as they are susceptible to landslides, following the recent fires.
Flash flood watches are expected to expire by 1 a.m. Thursday, and the storm is expected to slowly move out of the region Thursday evening, returning warm and dry conditions to the area.