The National Weather Service (NWS) is urging Southern California residents to stay off roads and prepare for flooding as an “unusually strong storm system” moves in, bringing heavy rain that could cause faster flooding in areas scarred by wildfires.
The County of Los Angeles has issued several evacuation warnings for areas near recent wildfire scars.
Why It Matters
Flooding is the second deadliest weather hazard nationwide, with many fatalities occurring when vehicles are swept away by rising waters.
The NWS warns that burn scars, charred areas where vegetation has been destroyed, combined with heavy rain can “quickly worsen flash flooding.” The weather agency warns that after a wildfire, “rainfall that would normally be absorbed will run off extremely quickly after a wildfire, as burned soil can be as water-repellant as pavement. As a result, much less rainfall is required to produce a flash flood.”
The County of Los Angeles said in a late Friday X post that three Red Cross shelters are open for anyone impacted by the storm and flooding.
What To Know
On Friday, the NWS warned that the storm system will bring heavy rainfall, noting that weather conditions on Saturday night are of most concern, with conditions that “will bring a moderate to high risk of significant flash flooding, debris flows, and damaging winds.”
A flood watch remains in effect through Saturday evening in several Southern California counties, including Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Bernadino, and San Diego, among others.
In certain areas, such as Southern Ventura County, a flash flood warning is in effect until noon local time Saturday. The flash flood is expected to bring between .75 to 1.25 inches of rainfall in an hour. In West Central Los Angeles County, a flash flood warning advises about a “life threatening situation,” urging residents to “not attempt to travel unless fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.” The region is expected to be hit with rainfall falling around .5 inch in 15 minutes.
In a broad warning, the agency noted “there is an increased risk for debris flows near fire burn scars. Rockfalls and mud possible on mountain highways.” Debris flows are fast-moving, “deadly” landslides made up of mud, rocks and other debris, which the agency describes as the most “powerful and dangerous” type of slide.
Debris flows from recent burn scars, including those left by the devastating Palisades fire earlier this year, are likely.
NWS noted that the greatest rainfall is expected in southeast California, with amounts over 2 inches predicted. The rainfall and subsequent flooding are expected to close several roadways and overflow rivers, leading both weather and local officials to encourage residents to stay off the roads.
What People Are Saying
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s press office wrote in a Friday X post: “@CAGovernor Gavin Newsom has pre-deployed additional emergency crews and equipment to Southern California as strong storms continue across the state. Resources are staged in Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties to protect communities ahead of impacts.”
NWS Los Angeles wrote in a Saturday X post: “HEADS UP!!!! Heavy rain is incoming starting within the hour, w/ an increasing risk of dangerous flooding, especially for LA Co. Turn around if you approach a flooded road and listen to orders from local authorities for any actions you may need to take #LosAngeles.”
The Weather Channel wrote in a Saturday X post: “A series of storms is bringing soaking rain, gusty winds and mountain snowfall to California through this weekend into early in the week ahead.”
Weather Nation wrote in an X post on Saturday: “Heads up Southern California! A band of intense rain is heading into the region this morning with gusty winds and possibly a waterspout. The flood risk will begin to increase quickly as these storms move onshore.”
What Happens Next?
Residents are urged to stay updated on weather alerts and avoid driving when possible as flooded roads and vehicles swept away by water can be deadly.
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