Southland storm was much stronger than forecasters predicted, catching officials off guard – Los Angeles Times

The last water year — Oct. 1, 2017, to Sept. 30, 2018 — was the third driest in downtown L.A. since records began in 1877, dropping just 4.72 inches — about 32% of the average rainfall of 14.93 inches. (The only water years with even less rain was during 2001-02, when only 4.42 inches fell, and 2006-07, when just 3.73 inches fell). Of the past seven water years, six have been below average. Since the 2001-02 water year, 12 water years have been below average.