LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Residents, businesses and government agencies were bracing Thursday for stormy weather expected to soak much of the region into the weekend, prompting evacuation warnings near recent burn areas due to the risk of flooding and debris flows.
The latest forecast from the National Weather Service suggested the Los Angeles area may not see any rain until early Friday morning, with the storm system stalling Thursday off the coast.
“There have been a few stray sprinkles but the first bands of heavier rain are still at least several hours away, and in the case of L.A. County not until Friday morning at the earliest and more likely Saturday with the second burst of rain as the upper low is expected to move through,” according to the NWS.
Forecasters said the initial brunt of the storm will hit Santa Barbara County then move into southern Ventura County later Thursday. By the time it reaches Los Angeles County Friday morning, “it will weaken but could still produce some isolated rain rates up to a quarter-inch per hour.”
“Light to occasionally moderate showers will continue across Ventura and L.A. counties Friday afternoon into early Saturday morning …,” according to the NWS.
Forecasters said the impacts of a second storm “impulse” set to arrive in the area Saturday morning were still unclear, but it could result in a flood watch being issued across the county.
Anticipated rainfall totals were still in flux, but forecasters said 2 to 4 inches could fall by the time the systems clear out on Sunday, with some mountain and foothill areas possibly receiving 3 to 6 inches. The bulk of that rain would likely occur Saturday morning.
“With this in mind, residents, especially those in vulnerable areas, should start taking precautions immediately to prepare for the storm and protect their interests,” forecasters said. “This scenario would potentially create many significant impacts area-wide, including possible debris flows in the burn areas, significant ponding of roads and highways, mudslides through the canyons, fallen trees, etc.”
The city of Los Angeles issued an evacuation warning that’ll be in effect from 6 p.m. Thursday through 11 a.m. Sunday for residents near the Palisades, Hurst and Sunset fire burn zones. County officials, meanwhile, issued an evacuation warning for residents near the Eaton Fire area in Altadena. County officials warned that any other recent burn area could also be at increased risk of flooding or debris flows.
The city of Los Angeles’ Emergency Operations Center will activate at 6 p.m. Thursday and the mayor’s office stated that it will coordinate with the Emergency Management Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Public Works and relevant city departments to ensure all personnel are ready to respond as needed to keep residents safe.
The county was offering residents free sandbags for pickup at the Public Works Fleet Maintenance Yard, 252 Mountain View St. in Altadena, and at the Malibu Library parking lot, 23519 W. Civic Center Way.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state was pre-deploying emergency response crews in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties to enable faster response to any storm-related issues that develop. He said 274 personnel were being deployed, along with 18 engines, three Urban Search & Rescue companies, six bulldozers, three swiftwater-rescue teams, three helicopters and five dispatchers.
In the Palisades Fire area, Caltrans will close Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive at 10 p.m. Thursday. Caltrans officials said motorists should expect the stretch to remain closed at least through the Friday morning commute, but potentially through the weekend, depending how the storm develops.
That stretch of Topanga Canyon has been undergoing nightly repairs, with the road closed between midnight and 5 a.m.
NWS forecasters urged homeowners to prepare for the rain by ensuring gutters are cleared and windshield wipers are secure and working. They said people should consider rescheduling outdoor events, and advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded areas.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issued a statement Wednesday urging people to be prepared, offering a series of tips:
— Drive carefully, slow down and allow extra stopping distance;
— avoid flooded roads, turn around, wait it out;
— prepare your property by gathering sand bags, and checking gutters and drains; and
— check the condition of your vehicle and replace windshield wipers and tires if needed.
Sheriff’s officials urged people to use websites like http://Ready.Lacounty.gov to stay up to date on road closures, weather alerts, and emergency notifications.
“Our deputies will be out monitoring conditions and ensuring community safety,” according to the department. “Let’s all do our part to stay safe during the storm.”
Recent Comments