VICTOR VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A strong Pacific storm system fueled by an atmospheric river is set to impact Southern California starting Friday, November 14, bringing widespread rain, possible thunderstorms, high-elevation snow, and the risk of flooding, according to a written statement from the National Weather Service.
Rainfall is expected to begin intermittently Friday morning and become more widespread and intense late Friday through Saturday.
This system marks the region’s first major rain event of the season, and forecasters have increased confidence in its timing and impact.
Flood Watch for Victor Valley and Surrounding Areas
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Saturday, November 15, from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., affecting multiple communities across San Bernardino County including:
- Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Lucerne Valley
- San Bernardino, Ontario, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga
- Wrightwood, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, and Running Springs
Residents in flood-prone areas should monitor weather alerts and be ready to act if a Flood Warning is issued.
Storm Timeline and Risk
- Friday (Nov. 14): Light to moderate rain expected by morning; 10–20% chance of thunderstorms
- Late Friday into Saturday (Nov. 15): Peak of the storm, with bands of moderate to heavy rainfall and a 20–30% chance of thunderstorms
- Sunday (Nov. 16): Showers taper off into the afternoon
A secondary storm system may bring additional rain Monday into Tuesday.
This event is being driven by an atmospheric river, a concentrated stream of moisture capable of producing significant rainfall over a short period.
“This weekend’s atmospheric river and associated rainfall forecast is proving to be a tricky one due to the finicky nature of the cut-off low pressure system driving our upcoming weather,” the National Weather Service stated.
Forecasters now have increased confidence in the storm’s timing and intensity, with intermittent rain beginning Friday, becoming more widespread and heavy from late Friday into Saturday.
Updated Precipitation Forecast (as of Thursday evening)
According to the latest NWS update:
- Coastal basin: 2 to 4 inches of rain
- West-facing slopes/mountains: Higher totals possible
- Deserts (including Victor Valley): Around 1 inch of rainfall
- Big Bear Lake: Light dusting to 1 inch of snow at lake level late Saturday into Sunday
Hourly Rainfall Rate Forecasts
Friday:
- Inland Empire: 0.1–0.25”/hr
- Mountains/Slopes: 0.3–0.6”/hr
- Deserts (including Victor Valley): 0.0–0.1”/hr
Saturday:
- Inland Empire: 0.3–0.4”/hr
- Mountains/Slopes: 0.7–0.9”/hr
- Deserts: 0.3–0.6”/hr
Hesperia Rain Forecast (Chance of >0.5” in 24 hours)
- Friday: 35%
- Saturday: 65%
- Sunday: 50%
Snow Levels & Mountain Impact
- Thursday–Friday: 10,000–11,000 feet
- Saturday: Drops to ~9,000 feet
- Sunday: Lowers to ~7,500 feet
- Big Bear: Snow levels may drop low enough for a dusting to 1 inch at lake level
Significant accumulation is expected in high-elevation areas such as Big Bear and Running Springs.
Sandbags Available in Hesperia
To help residents prepare for the storm, the City of Hesperia is providing sand and sandbags during business hours at:
- Public Works Yard: 17282 Mojave Street
- Fire Station 302: 17288 Olive Street
- Fire Station 304: 15660 Eucalyptus Street
- Fire Station 305: 8331 Caliente Avenue
Limit: 10 bags per household or business
Sandbags Also Available from San Bernardino County Fire
Sandbags are also available on a first-come, first-served basis at San Bernardino County Fire stations. To find the nearest location, visit: sbcfire.org/sandbags
Looking Ahead
- No Santa Ana wind events are on the horizon
- Another round of rain possible Monday–Tuesday, Nov. 17–18
- Below normal temperatures expected to continue into early next week
Please take the necessary precautions to protect your family, pets, and property during these weather conditions.
- Avoid driving through flooded roadways
- Secure outdoor items before winds increase
- Drive cautiously — heavy rain can cause low visibility and road hazards
- Watch for snow and ice in high-elevation areas
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