A flash flood warning has been issued for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, effective from Thursday, February 13, to Friday, February 14. During this period, heavy rainfall is expected to reach up to 1.5 to 3 inches, which could lead to flash flooding and debris flows.
With a large and older campus, USC may face unique challenges during the heavy rainfall.
Susan Poe, a representative from the University Park Campus, outlined the institution’s approach to avoiding floods. She said that there are “four large sections” at the main campus, “and each zone has its own crew members and supervisor.”
“They check on the leaks ahead of time, the ones that they know are big problems, and use sandbags and things like that,” Poe said. “The campus is too big to do prevention on all of them. Instead, we prioritize high-risk areas.”
Poe emphasized the importance of reporting water intrusions immediately.
“If someone calls in and says there’s water coming through a window, we consider that a high priority,” she said.
Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service, discussed the concern for strong winds, particularly along the Central Coast and in the mountains, in a webinar on Tuesday morning.
While there may be some breaks with the rain on Wednesday, the heaviest rainfall is expected late Wednesday night through Thursday night. After this storm, the weather is expected to stay dry for the rest of February, with warmer temperatures returning by the weekend.
Kittell also emphasizes that thunderstorms could also develop, which allows for intense rainfall. With so much rain in a short time, flooding is likely to occur, especially on roads and in plain areas. Strong winds could knock down trees and power lines, leading to additional hazards. Even after the rain slows down on Friday, some areas may still experience flood impacts.
Residents near the areas left behind after the wildfires, including Eaton, Pacific Palisades/Franklin, and Bridge, should be particularly vigilant as the combination of charred soil and heavy rain increases the risk of rapid water runoff and mudslides.
Many students at USC, who are used to Southern California’s dry climate, find the heavy rain to be both an inconvenience and a rare opportunity for cozy indoor activities. The heavy rain can disrupt daily routines, making the walk across campus a soggy challenge, especially for those without proper rain gear.
However, for some, the cooler, rainy weather offers the perfect excuse to stay indoors, curl up in bed, or binge-watch a favorite show. Although the rain may not be a frequent visitor to Los Angeles, when it does arrive, it brings with it a mix of emotions for students navigating life on campus.
Sophia Cavaliere, a graduate student studying criminal justice, said she has been “spoiled” by typical Southern California weather.
“So I’ve been so unprepared with the rain in terms of clothes and having to transport to campus,” she said.
For freshman communications major Faith George, the rain is a dreaded experience.
“I actually despise rain, no part of rain is fun for me,” George said. “That’s why I chose to go to college in California because there’s not that much rain.”
Despite the inconvenience, some students have found silver linings. The stormy weather has provided an opportunity to enjoy indoor activities, from catching up on some reading, watching a series, or gathering with friends over hot drinks.
As the rain continues, officials encourage students and staff to remain cautious, report flooding issues, and stay updated on campus weather advisories. With more storms forecasted in the coming days, USC is preparing to manage the rainfall while students navigate the rare challenge of a Southern California downpour.