Severe storms in Southern California lead to mudslide warnings and evacuation orders.
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Southern California is facing another wave of evacuations due to a severe storm bringing heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of mudslides and flooding in fire-scarred areas. The National Weather Service predicts up to 6 inches of rain in mountainous regions, prompting evacuation orders across multiple counties, including Los Angeles and Ventura. Local authorities have implemented safety measures to mitigate flood risks, but residents are advised to prepare for potential evacuations amid ongoing hazardous conditions.
Southern Californians are facing another round of evacuations this year as heavy rain descends upon the region, bringing with it the potential for dangerous mudslides and debris flows. The weather has pivoted dramatically with the arrival of the strongest storm to hit the area in over a year, affecting hundreds of miles throughout the Golden State.
The National Weather Service has predicted that coastal areas and valleys, including the bustling Los Angeles basin, might see up to 3 inches of rain by Friday. Meanwhile, mountainous regions could receive as much as 6 inches, creating the perfect conditions for hazards like mudslides. Rain began to pour steadily in Los Angeles County late Thursday morning, intensifying as the hours went on. While the heaviest rain eased by Thursday evening, the risk of mudslides still looms.
Rainfall rates of between 0.5 to 1 inch per hour have been detected in areas impacted by past wildfires, specifically from the Eaton and Palisades fires. This kind of rainfall can easily trigger dangerous debris flows, which have prompted flood alerts across the state—from the San Francisco Bay Area all the way down to coastal Los Angeles County.
Evacuation orders are in place for numerous fire-scarred communities facing the threats of mudslides and flooding. Areas across San Bernardino, Orange, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties, including Malibu, have seen these evacuation alerts go into effect. Just when residents might have thought they were past the storm, evacuation notices were distributed door-to-door in at-risk zones, especially following the brutal wildfires of the past year.
While some evacuation alerts—including those for low-lying areas along the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz County—were lifted by Thursday afternoon, caution remains paramount. Torrential downpours in California lead to an increased risk of flash floods, particularly in urban areas or regions with inadequate drainage. Reports of mud and rockslides have begun to surface, especially in the Malibu area and the Santa Cruz Mountains.
In anticipation of potential disasters, local authorities have been proactive. Los Angeles County has taken important measures such as clearing debris basins, erecting concrete barriers, and distributing sandbags throughout fire-affected regions. Emergency teams, comprising search-and-rescue crews, deputies, and helicopters, remain on standby, ready to respond to any unforeseen conditions.
Several roads, including a segment of the Pacific Coast Highway connecting Pacific Palisades to Malibu, have already been closed due to mudslides and water accumulation. In Malibu, a member of the fire department was injured while responding to a debris flow but managed to escape to a hospital for treatment.
Residents in fire-affected areas are strongly encouraged to prepare for possible evacuations. This includes gathering essential items like important documents and necessary medication. As intense rainfall is expected to create run-off that could lead to mudslides and debris flows, authorities have installed thousands of feet of concrete barriers in a bid to stem the impact.
As of Thursday evening, more than 28,000 customers have been left without power. Weather-related chaos is also impacting travel in other states. Schools across Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, and Northern California are suspending classes due to heavy snowfall linked to the same storm.
If you’re in Southern California or surrounding areas, stay tuned to the latest forecasts, and prepare to act accordingly. And for beachgoers, it’s wise to heed the high surf warnings with waves hitting between 20 to 40 feet along California’s shoreline.
With the storm continuing to impact the region, everyone is encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety above all else. As always, the community’s strength shines through during these challenging times.
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