Flash Flood Warning: LA Braces for Flash Floods and Mudslides as Storm Lingers Over Burn Scar Areas

Flash Flood Warning: Los Angeles, CA – While the heaviest rainfall is expected to subside, Los Angeles County remains under threat of flash floods and mudslides, particularly in areas scarred by recent wildfires. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flood watches and warnings, urging residents near burn areas to remain vigilant through Monday afternoon.

Persistent Danger in Burn Scars:

The risk of flooding and debris flows remains elevated even as the rain begins to taper off. The NWS predicts the storm’s center will move directly over L.A. County on Monday, bringing the potential for intense, localized downpours. This poses a significant threat to areas impacted by fires, as the fire-scorched soil becomes water-repellent, increasing the likelihood of runoff and landslides.

Flood Watches and Warnings Issued:

Flood watches are in effect for several burn scar areas, including the Palisades, Eaton, Hughes, Franklin, and Bridge fire sites. Due to increased risk, the NWS elevated the flood watch for the Franklin fire burn scar and the western portion of the Palisades burn scar to a flash flood warning, the highest level of alert, until 11 p.m. Sunday. Residents in these areas are urged to take immediate precautions. These warnings are in addition to flood watches that are set to expire at 4 p.m. Monday.

Protective Measures Underway:

Los Angeles County officials have taken proactive steps to mitigate potential damage. At a town hall meeting, residents affected by the Palisades fire were informed that the Department of Public Works has deployed 15,000 K-rail barriers and 50,000 sandbags in the burn area to protect properties and the environment.

Rainfall Intensity a Key Factor:

High-intensity rainfall, exceeding half an inch per hour, poses the greatest risk of triggering floods and landslides in burn areas. Rainfall rates of 0.39 inches per hour have already been recorded near Pepperdine University, and higher rates are possible. This level of intensity can overwhelm the compromised soil and lead to dangerous debris flows.

Uneven Rainfall Across the Region:

Rainfall totals have varied significantly across Los Angeles. By 7 p.m. Sunday, some areas had received over an inch of rain, while others received less than a tenth of an inch. This localized variation highlights the unpredictable nature of the storm and the need for vigilance across the county.

Rainfall Totals (Past 48 Hours as of 7 p.m. Sunday):

• Metropolitan Los Angeles:
  • Monte Nido (near Palisades Fire): 0.55 inches
  • Bel Air: 0.93 inches
  • Culver City: 0.20 inches
  • Beverly Hills: 0.82 inches
  • Hollywood Reservoir: 0.84 inches
• Valleys:
  • Agoura: 0.33 inches
  • Chatsworth Reservoir: 0.66 inches
  • Canoga Park: 0.59 inches
• San Gabriel Valley:
  • L.A. City College: 0.39 inches
  • Eaton Dam (near Eaton Fire): 0.13 inches

Snowfall and Hail Reported:

Higher elevations in Greater Los Angeles have experienced snowfall ranging from 1 to 5 inches. There were also social media reports of hail near Ventura.

Flash Flood Warning

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इ-पेपर : Divya Sandesh