Southern California Braces for Heavy Rain and Potential Mudslides
Southern California is preparing for a powerful rainstorm expected to hit from Wednesday through Friday, with concerns over mudslides, debris flows, and flash flooding, especially in areas impacted by recent wildfires.
Flood watches will be in effect starting at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, through 4 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14, for areas near the burn scars of the Eaton, Palisades, Franklin, and Bridge fires. These areas are especially vulnerable due to the loss of vegetation and soil's reduced ability to absorb water, which could lead to rapid runoff and dangerous conditions.
Rain is expected to start as light showers Wednesday night and intensify Thursday night into Friday, with totals reaching between one and three inches in lower elevations, and three to six inches in mountain areas. At its peak, rainfall may reach half an inch to an inch per hour in some locations.
To prepare, local authorities have been working to mitigate the risks. The Los Angeles City and County Fire Departments have set up K-rail barriers, sandbags, and cleared debris catch basins to prevent mudslides and debris flows. Residents in Los Angeles can pick up free sandbags from fire stations.
In Orange County and the Inland Empire, lower elevations could see up to 1.5 inches of rain, with the Santa Ana Mountains potentially receiving 3 to 4 inches. The biggest concerns are the burn scars from the Airport fire in Orange County and the Line and Bridge fires in the Inland Empire. These areas remain at risk for mudslides and debris flows, and local fire departments are taking proactive measures to clear debris and prepare for the storm.
Officials are urging residents, especially those living near burn scars, to clear gutters and drains, place sandbags around their homes, and stay updated on local weather alerts. With the potential for intense rain and hazardous conditions, residents are advised to be ready to evacuate quickly if necessary. As the storm progresses, getting out of danger might become difficult, and emergency response efforts could be hampered by the severity of the conditions.
It’s critical for residents in these high-risk areas to monitor storm updates and heed evacuation orders to stay safe.
