Culver City Observer -

Weather officials are warning that flash flooding will occur in Culver as storm batters the region with heavy rainfall.

The National Weather Service at 3:41 p.m. issued a Flash Flood Warning for central and western LA County that will be in effect until midnight.

The warning comes as heavy rain showers pound the area; between a half-inch and 2 inches of rain had fallen so far. Additional rainfall of between 1 and 4 inches is possible in the impacted area Sunday, the NWS said.

"Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly," the NWS said. "Debris flows are imminent or occurring. Residents should take immediate precautions to protect life and property."

The NWS says that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Drivers should not drive on flooded roads and if they encounter flooding, they should turn around.

Impacted areas include Thousand Oaks, Malibu, Acton, Van Nuys, Northridge, Encino, North Hollywood, Chatsworth, Woodland Hills, Burbank, Universal City, Santa Clarita, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Griffith Park, Santa Monica, Culver City, Venice and Agoura Hills.

The NWS says that the flash flooding is expected to impact creeks and streams, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other areas with poor drainage and areas that are low lying.

The warning comes as Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency across Southern California and authorities issued evacuation orders to areas at risk of flooding and mudslides.