Southern California is preparing for an unprecedented rainstorm this week, as meteorologists forecast five consecutive days of rainfall leading into the holiday period. With peak rainfall anticipated from Tuesday night through Thursday, county emergency officials have advised travelers to exercise caution as roads are closed along both coastal and mountainous regions.
The National Weather Service has issued stark warnings, indicating a significant likelihood of mudslides, severe flooding from excessive rain, and potential debris flows in areas affected by recent wildfires. “There will almost certainly be numerous mudslides,” the agency noted, highlighting the vulnerabilities of regions with burn scars.
Evacuation warnings have been issued across several high-risk zones within Los Angeles city and county. These areas include:
– The San Gabriel foothills in Altadena, specifically near the Eaton fire burn area.
– Locations around Pacific Palisades and Mandeville Canyon due to the Palisades fire burn area.
– South of Runyon Canyon, near the Sunset fire area.
– Areas close to Soledad Canyon Road and Agua Dulce Canyon Road in regions affected by the Lidia and Agua Dulce fires.
– Regions near Hasley Canyon and Val Verde related to the Canyon fire.
– Hillsides in Sylmar and San Fernando associated with the Hurst fire.
Evacuation warnings for the entire L.A. County are effective from 11 a.m. Tuesday until 11 p.m. Thursday, affecting approximately 400 households considered to be at the highest risk of debris flows.
On Wednesday, the risk of flash flooding will increase across Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Bernardino counties, particularly north of downtown Los Angeles around areas such as Altadena, Burbank, and Glendale. In Ventura County, evacuation warnings will activate for regions around the Mountain fire burn scar, while Santa Barbara County will see similar alerts for the Lake fire burn area.
Shelters have been established for those displaced by the storm, with locations including West Ranch High School in Stevenson Ranch and the Santa Anita Family YMCA in Monrovia. Residents are encouraged to contact the Red Cross for assistance.
Multiple road closures have been enacted in flood-prone areas, including Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Malibu Canyon Road. Officials are urging travelers to consider alternative routes and to avoid highway driving during rainfall.
As soil saturation increases, mudslides—a consequence of just a half-inch of rain per hour on previously burned slopes—may occur quickly. Residents living near steep terrain or burn scars are advised to relocate to higher ground quickly if conditions worsen.
Driving in heavy rain requires heightened caution, including avoiding flooded streets, using headlights when wipers are activated, and maintaining safe distances between vehicles. Awareness and preparedness are crucial during this hazardous weather event.
As Southern California braces for this intense storm, officials are emphasizing the importance of safety and the readiness to respond to sudden weather changes.