‘Powerful’ storm hits SoCal as Palisades, Eaton and other recent fire zones under evacuation warnings

Evacuation warnings have been issued for recently burned areas at the foot of the Santa Monica and San Gabriel mountains as an early season storm bringing heavy rain enters the region Monday evening.

Rainfall rates could reach 1 inch per hour, exceeding the threshold required to trigger debris flows in some recently burned locations.

Forecasters described the change in weather, which also brings the arrival of a cold front, as “a rare and very powerful storm system.”

Monday evening, the National Weather Service said the forecast continued to indicate “widespread rain tonight through Tuesday, with a threat for pockets of heavy rain and thunderstorms.”

And they warned of “a significant risk of debris flows, road flooding and isolated wind damage.”

Warnings in place

Warnings have been issued for the following areas of LA County (updated map here):

• Burn scar Eaton Fire (Altadena, Pasadena)
• Palisades Fire Burn Scar (Pacific Palisades)
• Sunset Fire Burn Scar (Hollywood Hills)
• Burn scar from the Canyon Fire (Hasley Canyon and Val Verde communities)
• Hawk Fire Burn Scar (Acton)
• Burn scar from bridge fire (mountains north of La Verne)

In Santa Barbara, residents in and around the area burned cars due to the Gifford and Lake Fire. They are also now subject to evacuation warnings.

Santa Barbara officials advised Monday evening: “If you feel threatened, leave before the rain starts. »

Earlier officials had warned that flash flooding was possible – around the burn scars around the lake, Madre and Gifford.

The storm is expected to hit Monday evening and last into early Tuesday, dropping up to 4 inches of rain on south-facing slopes.

Forecasters say coasts and valleys could see up to 1.5 inches of rain, while mountains and foothills could see more than 3 inches of rain. Isolated pockets of intense rain are likely.

Widespread flood watches (i.e. be aware of conditions and prepared to move if necessary) were issued by the National Weather Service from San Luis Obispo to San Clemente Monday evening through Tuesday afternoon.

Several inches of snow could fall above 7,000 feet.

In addition to heavy rain, prepare for potentially damaging winds, hail and even short-lived tornadoes.

Avoid travel and outdoor activities during the storm.

Furthermore:

• Avoid parking near large trees.
• Be prepared for sudden power outages.
• Avoid the roads as much as possible.
• If you must drive, allow extra time.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state has resources ready to respond to mudslides.

Later this week we should see a return to warmer, drier weather.

Storm Information by County

For the most up-to-date information on the storm from your local authorities, you can visit:

Prepare for mudslides

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works anticipates that isolated debris and mudslides could affect streets and structures near the following 11 burn areas:

• Eaton Fire (Altadena, Pasadena)
• Palisades Fire (Pacific Palisades)
• Hawk Fire (Acton)
• Canyon Fire (Hasley Canyon and Val Verde communities)
• Franklin Fire (Malibu)
• Hughes Fire (Castaic Lake)
• Kenneth Fire (West Hills)
• Fire at Sunset (Hollywood Hills)
• Lidia Fire (Acton)
• Hurst Fire (Sylmar)
• Bridge fire (San Gabriel River in the East Fork area of ​​LA County, communities of Wrightwood, Big Pines and Mt. Baldy Village)

Sign up for emergency alerts

Understanding National Weather Service Warnings

Here is an excerpt from our guide to understanding flood warnings, if applicable:

• Flood warning This is how the NWS begins to sound the alarm. The goal is to give people enough time to act.
• Flood Monitoring are your indicators to prepare yourself to move.
• A flood warning is issued when a hazardous weather event is imminent or already occurring. When a permit is issued for your area, you should immediately move to higher ground.
• A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is occurring or in progress. Flash floods are sudden, violent floods that can start within minutes.

Learn more: Flash flood warnings? Watches? Here’s what you need to know

Tips for Driving in the Rain

• Check the weather and road conditions along your planned route.
• To slow down.
• Keep a wider distance than usual between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
• Don’t drive through standing water: As little as 12 inches of rushing water can wash away most cars, and 2 feet can wash away SUVs and trucks.
• Make sure the tires are fully inflated.
• Check the wiper blades and replace them if necessary.

Learn more: What to do if you drive through a flooded area

Downed tree, power line or flooded road?

Call 911 in an emergency.

However, if you need to report a flooded road or fallen tree, you can call the following non-emergency numbers:

• City of Los Angeles: Call 311 in case of flooded roads or downed trees. Call (800) DIAL-DWP if you see a downed power line.
• LA County: (800) 675-HELP
• Ventura County: (805) 384-1500
• Orange County: (714) 955-0200 or visit here.

If you are in Los Angeles County and need sandbags, you can find them at local fire stations.

How we account for this

LAist reporters will provide updates on the storm as it develops. If things get tough, we’ll send reporters into the field to give you real-time updates on conditions on the ground.

This is a developing story. We fact-check everything and only rely on information from credible sources (think firefighters, police, government officials and journalists on the ground). However, sometimes we make mistakes or initial reports turn out to be incorrect. In all cases, we strive to bring you the most accurate information in real time and will update this story as new information becomes available.