The top line
Much-needed rain is forecast for Los Angeles this weekend, providing relief to first responders battling four active fires in the region while mudslides, toxic runoff and burn areas and its It also creates the risk of new hazards, including near-flooding.
Los Angeles has four active fires as of Friday, all at least 56% contained. 8 speaks of the day about living [+]
Key facts
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch from 4 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday for areas near or near burn scars from the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hughes Fire and Bridge Fire. for, which burned 56,000 acres last fall.
A flood watch warned of a 10% to 20% chance of “significant flash flooding and debris flows” in affected areas.
NWS Prophecy Light to moderate rain is expected in Los Angeles starting Friday night and the region is expected to receive an inch to an inch to an inch and a half by the end of the week, noting that a rain-bringing low pressure system will move south. “High winds” may develop in California.
Firefighters trying to battle the wave of fires in Los Angeles areas will benefit from the rain, but the NWS added that as the showers end, those areas will be scarred by flash flooding and debris. Flow will need to be monitored.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has deployed hundreds Debris flow specialist In Southern California ahead of the rain, officials deployed flood defenses to protect communities and natural resources.
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What communities are at risk of flooding and mudslides?
Communities in or near flood watch areas include Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Castaic, Altadena, Connelva Mesa, Sierra Madre and Glendora.
What is a burn stain and why are they dangerous in rainy conditions?
A burn scar is an area of land scorched by fire. Burn marks lack the vegetation needed to anchor the soil to the ground and “can be as waterlogged as water.” NWSpotentially creating debris flows that include rocks, mud, rocks, trees, and even houses and vehicles depending on the flow path. The combination of rain and burn debris can also produce toxic runoff that enters oceans or waterways.
How to tell if you are at risk of flash floods and mudslides
A good rule of thumb to determine risk is to look upstream, the NWS says. If you see a burnt area, you are in danger. Residents in danger areas are encouraged to make evacuation plans, learn alternate routes if nearby roads are blocked by mud or water and clear debris from drains and sewers near homes.
How is California preparing for potential flooding and mudslides?
The Department of Water Resources has built debris dams and has already deployed more than 250,000 sandbags, 777 plastic sheeting rolls and 5,650 super sacks (extra-heavy, industrial-sized bags). Newsom And Dept. More than 400 California Conservation Corps members will work on watershed protection near burn-scarred areas, installing dirt fences, straw bales and compost socks to filter pollutants into stormwater runoff. Will apply.
Amazing fact
The last time Los Angeles received a tenth of an inch of rain was last May, when downtown Los Angeles received 0.13 inches. Los Angeles Times.
Key background
Burns and flooding have plagued Southern California over the years. In 2018, 23 people in Montecito, just east of Santa Barbara, died as a result. Earthworms which were 15 feet deep and had stones the size of houses. Fires in Los Angeles this month have created flooding threats that began with the Palisades Fire on Jan. 7, which has burned more than 23,000 acres. Four active fires remain in Los Angeles, including the 14,000-acre Eaton Fire, the 10,400-acre Hughes Fire and the 45-acre Spilveda Fire. First responders have achieved significant containment on all fires and will benefit from rain later this week, marking Los Angeles’ first significant rain in months as the region has been largely ablaze. Dry since last May.
Further reading
California wildfire updates: Rain expected this weekend as Hughes fire reaches 56% containment (Forbes)
Did budget cuts affect the emergency response to wildfires? What to know about funding a city fire department (Forbes)
LA Fire: These celebrities – Barbara Corcoran, Eugene Levy and more destroyed historic landmarks (Forbes) as well as homes.
