Heavy rainfall expected in the Los Angeles area this weekend may help extinguish several major fires that have plagued the region, but it also brings the risk of flash floods and mudslides.
According to the forecast from the National Weather Service on Wednesday, a low-pressure system is set to move into Southern California from Saturday to Sunday, bringing 0.2 to 0.5 inches of rainfall to most areas. Some localized areas on the south-facing slopes of the San Gabriel Mountains could see up to 1 inch of precipitation. Rain is expected to start from 4 p.m. on Saturday in some areas and may continue until early Monday morning, possibly accompanied by thunderstorms.
Fox Weather has also predicted that there could be 0.5 to 2 inches of rainfall in Ventura County and Los Angeles County over the next 10 days.
This low-pressure system in Southern California may bring 2 to 5 inches of snow to areas above 5,000 feet. Some high mountain resorts could see up to 10 inches of snowfall.
The weekend’s rainfall will cover tens of thousands of acres of land in the Palisades and Eaton Canyon Fire zones that have been devastated by wildfires in the past two weeks, increasing the risks of flash floods and mudslides in these areas.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey website, even minor rains in areas affected by wildfires can lead to dangerous flash floods and mudslides; mudslides may occur even without rainfall. A house that survived the Palisades Fire was recently washed away by mudslides, as reported by Fox 11 in Los Angeles.
To mitigate the impacts of potential post-fire mudslides, Governor Newsom announced on Wednesday that personnel will be deployed to protect the areas affected by fires. Newsom instructed departments and relevant agencies to swiftly take actions, deploy resources and personnel at critical locations, ensuring a smooth transition from fire response to storm preparedness.
Currently, California authorities have prepared 5,650 super sandbags, over 270,000 burlap sandbags, and more than 17,000 wooden stakes, along with deploying hundreds of personnel forming professional teams ready to protect communities.
The California Fire Department and environmental agencies are working with senior officials leading post-fire flood and debris flow risk assessments through their watershed emergency management teams. The Department of Environmental Protection has deployed 12 geologists to assess and inspect mudslide risks on-site. The Department of Water Resources also has over 30 experts and engineers arriving at mudslide risk areas. The California National Guard dispatched over 80 active-duty personnel with equipment, including 2 bulldozers, 1 excavator, and 4 dump trucks, rushing to high-risk areas.
Earlier this week, Newsom issued an executive order to expedite debris clearance post-fires, enhance flood defenses, and reinforce slopes in affected areas.
Los Angeles is also making preventive preparations for the potential risks associated with the weekend rainfall. Mark Pestrella, Director of the Los Angeles County Public Health Department, mentioned in a Wednesday press conference that the city’s flood barriers and pipes are ready, personnel are clearing ashes and debris from streets to prevent them from clogging storm drains, and businesses and residents affected by fires are being provided with sandbags for flood protection. His department will conduct 24-hour storm patrols for the next week.
To stay safe from potential hazards, Pestrella advised residents living along the burned areas with steep slopes exceeding 20 feet in their backyard to evacuate during rainfall and not stay at home; residents who have returned home post the Palisades and Eaton Canyon fires should stay away from roads when personnel are preparing for rain and debris cleanup in fire-affected zones.
To alert residents in mudslide risk areas to stay safe, state news releases also recommend residents to:
– Explore multiple safe routes in case roads are blocked by mud or water flow.
– Monitor the normal flow of small rivers or streams near homes.
– Prepare sandbags to protect doorways and foundations.
– Clear debris from house nearby drains and gullies.
Moreover, avoid crossing flowing waters, steer clear of submerged risks, and refrain from driving through floods, mudslides, or inundated areas, as most vehicles can float in 12 inches of water, while a swift 2-foot water flow can sweep away cars and trucks.
Stay safe and cautious during this period of heightened risks and potential natural disasters.