LOS ANGELES (CNS) – The first substantial rain storm of the fall season brought the threat of mudslides , flooding, possible thunderstorms and an evacuation order for parts of one Los Angeles community devastated during January wildfires.
Driving on area freeways Tuesday morning was treacherous, with numerous spin-outs and collisions reported.
Showers were expected to continue through the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.
In addition to heavy rain and flooding, there was also a threat of thunderstorms and possible flooding throughout Southern California and evacuation warnings were issued for residents near recent burn areas.
About 120 homes in the Pacific Palisades area were under mandatory evacuation orders, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Within the Palisades Fire burn area, 114 of the homes under mandatory evacuation were in the Mandeville Canyon area, five were in the Hearst area and one in the Sunset area, said LAFD spokeswoman Margaret Stewart.
All were deemed to be at higher risk from possible debris flows and Los Angeles police began knocking on doors of those homes Monday night, she said.
The storm was expected to produce between three-quarters of an inch to 1.5 inches of rain across most areas, with 2 to 4 inches possible on south- facing mountain slopes, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters said as much as 5 inches could potentially fall in the San Gabriel Mountains.
“All areas will see rain. Some areas will see short bursts of heavy rain, although it remains difficult to predict exactly where,” according to the NWS. “South-facing slopes and foothills have the highest chance of seeing those heavy bursts, but they can happen anywhere.”
Hail and gusty winds are threats, with waterspouts or a weak tornado possible, the agency added. A wind advisory will be in effect until 2 p.m. Tuesday in the San Gabriel Mountains, where isolated gusts of up to 50 mph are possible.
“The peak of the storm remains focused … through Tuesday afternoon,” according to the NWS. “… Rain rate forecasts will likely be increased, especially for any south- and southwest-facing slopes. Nearly every high-resolution model is showing streaks of heavy rain moving through the region, and while not every area will see them, these narrow bands could happen anywhere. Several of the projections are now showing the rain the organizing and intensifying as it swings into LA County, which is concerning for the recent burn scars — especially the Eaton and Bridge scars.”
In advance of the rain, evacuation warnings were posted for most recent burn scar areas, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, along with the Hurst Fire in Sylmar and the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills. Residents were urged to prepare to evacuate due to the possibility of flooding and debris flows.
Malibu officials announced evacuation warnings and shelter-in-place advisories for residents of a number areas.
The warnings include Rambla Pacifico, Carbon Beach West / Malibu Beach, Sweetwater Canyon, Sweetwater Mesa, Serra Retreat. Malibu Creek, Cross Creek, Malibu Colony, the Civic Center, Malibu Knolls, Malibu Road, Malibu Country Estates, Puerco Canyon, Las Flores Mesa, Big Rock, Big Rock Beach, Tuna Canyon (south), Las Tunas Beach and Topanga Beach Drive.
The shelter-in-place will be in effect until at least Wednesday evening for the Franklin Fire burn scar near Pepperdine University due to the rsk of flash floods and mud and debris flows, according to the city.
“While this may be a short-duration storm, even a burst of intense rain can quickly create dangerous conditions in burn areas,” Los Angeles County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella said in a statement. “Our crews are ready, and we urge residents to make personal safety their top priority. Avoid driving on mountain roads or in burn areas, if at all possible, and keep trash cans and vehicles off streets to allow storm runoff to travel freely.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said city crews were gearing up for the storm and possibility of mud and debris flows.
“The city has bolstered the hillsides and vulnerable areas from potential debris flows in recent burn scar areas — these resources remain in place,” Bass said in a statement. “Today, we have strategically deployed resources for the Palisades and across the city, including strike teams, rescue teams and helicopters. Be cautious on the roads, pick up free sandbags if needed and sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyLA.org. To all Angelenos: stay safe, stay informed and follow official evacuation guidance.”
In Orange County, authorities issued an evacuation warning for areas near the Airport Fire burn scar, including Trabuco Creek, Hot Springs Canyon, Bell Canyon, Long Canyon and Modjeska Canyon. Orange County authorities urged people to voluntarily evacuate the area, “especially those with disabilities, access and/or functional needs, and canyon residents with large animals.”
The NWS advised residents to take precautions, remain indoors as much as possible and avoid parking vehicles near tall trees that could be uprooted.
“Avoid the roads as much as possible, and if you have to drive, allow extra time as traffic will be increased due to slippery roads, low visibility, and localized flooding,” forecasters said. “If you are near a burn scar, there is a risk of significant debris flows. Heed the advice of local officials, and expect at the very least mud and debris on some roads.”
A flood watch went into effect Monday night, to last through Tuesday evening, in recent burn areas in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, with forecasters saying the storm has the potential to trigger “hazardous and damaging flooding and debris flows.”
The storm system is also expected to bring gusty south to southwest winds across the Los Angeles County mountains and the Antelope Valley foothills.
The national weather Service warned mariners of dangerous conditions for a wide swath of outer waters from Santa Cruz Island off Ventura County, south to San Clemente Island off Orange County. Boaters may encounter winds of 50 mph and steep waves up to 60 nautical miles offshore and are advised to seek safe harbor and take other protective actions.
Temperatures dropped dramatically Tuesday, with highs forecast to stay in the low 60s in most parts of Los Angeles and Orange County. By Wednesday night, the rain will have moved on. Cooler temperatures were expected to continue into Thursday, followed by a “warming trend” for the end of the week.
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