Atmospheric River Brings Rain, Flood Watch, and Mudslide Risk to Southern California

Atmospheric River Impacts in Southern California

• 🌧️ An atmospheric river is sweeping through California, bringing rain to Southern California cities.
• ⚠️ Over 20 million people are currently under flood watch advisories due to the storm.
• 🔥 High winds associated with the storm are exacerbating the Pack fire in the Sierra Nevada mountains, which has spread to 3,000 acres and is only 5% contained, prompting evacuations.

Expected Rainfall and Potential for Historic Levels

• 💧 In Los Angeles and Ventura counties, two to three inches of rain are expected.
• ⛰️ The foothills could see about three to four inches of rain, with the high desert receiving up to two inches.
• ⚡ The storm has the potential to bring rain at a rate of up to an inch per hour, which could quickly fill up washes.
• 📈 If downtown Los Angeles receives over 2.5 inches of rain, it would be the wettest November on record since 1985.

Preparing for Mudslides and Debris Flows

• ⚠️ Officials warn of a high risk of mudslides in areas with recent burn scars from January's deadly fires in LA County.
• 🚧 Crews are installing concrete barriers and clearing storm drains in vulnerable areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena to stabilize ground and manage water flow.
• 🚨 Evacuation warnings have been issued for some neighborhoods near burn scars to ensure residents are prepared with go-bags in case of mudslides or debris flows.