SoCal Storm: Flood Watch and Evacuations for Burn Scar Areas

Storm Preparedness and Impact

• ⛈️ A significant storm is impacting Southern California, with heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential for severe weather events like waterspouts and isolated tornadoes.
• ⚠️ Flood watches and flash flood watches are in effect for areas including recent burn scar zones, raising concerns about mudslides and debris flows.
• 💧 Rainfall rates could reach one inch per hour in affected areas, particularly over burn scars like Gifford, Madre, Lake, Palisades, Franklin, Eaton, and Bridge.

Evacuations and Warnings

• 🚨 Mandatory evacuation orders are in place for over 100 homes near the Palisades Burn Scar, including in Mandeville Canyon.
• ⚠️ Evacuation warnings have been issued for areas in Malibu, from Rambla Pacifico to Tanga Drive, with the possibility of mandatory orders to follow.
• 🏠 In Pasadena, evacuation orders were issued for a handful of families in the Eaton fire scar neighborhood due to the risk of mudslides.
• ⛰️ Officials emphasize the powerful force of mud and debris flows, especially on hillsides left bare by wildfires.

Preparedness Measures

• 🚒 Strike teams, rescue teams, and helicopters have been pre-deployed across the city, including in Malibu and Westside fire stations, as a precautionary measure.
• 🚧 City crews have been working to prepare for the storm, with equipment like bulldozers stationed in vulnerable areas to respond to potential mud accumulation.
• 🏖️ Businesses, such as Dukes in Malibu, have been impacted by previous storms, with significant mud intrusion, highlighting the ongoing risk.

Traffic and Road Conditions

• 🚗 Traffic conditions are already difficult due to the storm, with an overturned tractor-trailer causing lane closures on the 210 westbound.
• 🌧️ Slick road conditions are reported across many areas, with light rain falling on roadways, affecting travel.
• 🚦 Travelers in areas like Glendale are experiencing moving traffic despite the rain.