By Lookout Staff

December 21, 2010 -- A week of torrential rains expected to peak with a storm passing through the area Tuesday night has led to the closure of the California incline until 7 a.m. Wednesday.

The latest storm is expected to bring between 3 and 6 inches of rain overnight.

"The California Incline will be closed as a precautionary safety measure, beginning at 10:00 p.m. tonight, December 21st, and will remain closed until at least 7:00 a.m. on December 22nd," said Sgt. Jay Trisler, the police department spokesman.

"At that time, the conditions will be assessed and a determination of when to re-open will be made."

City staff has been working hard to clear roadways and catch basins of any obstructions in advance of the storms.

In addition, electronic sign boards have been installed on Ocean Avenue to the north and south of the California Incline indicating the closure.

Open Space, Police, Fire, Public Works, and Street Division will all be keeping watch on potential flood conditions in the City.

If you need to report a flood related problem, please call the Santa Monica Police Department (24 hours) at 310-458-8495.