California storm triggers evacuation in wildfire-scarred LA neighborhoods over mudslide fears

LOS ANGELES — A rare storm system descended upon California on Tuesday, posing a significant threat to areas in Los Angeles scarred by recent wildfires with forecasted heavy rain, strong winds, and the likelihood of mudslides. Several homes received evacuation orders.

Morning downpours quickly started impacting the region on Tuesday, resulting in hydroplaning drivers and numerous accidents on flooded roadways.

A flash flood warning was issued for portions of Santa Barbara County, prompting the sheriff’s office to declare a shelter-in-place order for regions affected by a wildfire last year, thereby increasing the risk of debris flows.

As of Tuesday morning, rainfall totals varied from less than half an inch in Los Angeles County to approximately 1.5 inches in San Luis Obispo County, according to meteorological reports.

“Our concerns regarding the weather are substantial,” stated Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass during a press briefing on Monday evening, noting that strike teams, rescue squads, and helicopters were deployed and prepared for emergencies.

The evacuation orders impacted around 115 residences, primarily situated in Pacific Palisades and Mandeville Canyon, both of which were devastated by a massive wildfire in January, claiming the lives of more than 30 individuals and destroying over 17,000 structures throughout Los Angeles County. The absence of vegetation due to fires raises the risk of landslides during storms.

Bass and additional officials urged residents across the area to stay vigilant and confined indoors.

The most severe weather conditions were anticipated to arrive later Tuesday morning and extend throughout the afternoon.

Over 16,000 customers across Southern and Central California had already experienced power outages, as reported by PowerOutage.us.

Forecasts suggest the storm may deliver up to 4 inches of rain in various locations, with the National Weather Service in Los Angeles characterizing the system as “rare and exceptionally potent.”

Ariel Cohen, the lead meteorologist at the local weather service, warned that the storm could generate a number of tornadoes, emphasizing the unpredictability of its impact.

“The unpredictable nature of this system means we cannot ensure precise timing or location of its effects until just before they arrive at the earliest,” he explained.

Patrols initiated and closures announced due to storm

Los Angeles Fire Department teams began patrolling areas Monday night, and a section of state Route 27—starting at the Pacific Coast Highway—was shut down prior to the storm, as announced by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on their social platforms.

Forecasters also alerted the public to expect high winds that could result in fallen trees and downed power lines.

In northern regions, predictions indicated up to 3 feet of snow could accumulate in parts of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area reported snowfall on Tuesday morning.

Heavy rains had already begun on Monday evening over much of Northern California, causing urban flooding in areas surrounding the San Francisco Bay.

In preparation for expected heavy rainfall, Gladstones Restaurant, located along the Pacific Coast Highway, announced its closure for Tuesday. This establishment sits at a site historically prone to significant debris flow.

In February, intense rainfall instigated debris flows and mudslides across several neighborhoods that had been affected by January wildfires.

Sierra Madre, in proximity to the Eaton Fire site, faced torrents of water, debris, and boulders cascading from hills, ensnaring vehicles in mud and causing damage to garages.

A segment of the Pacific Coast Highway near Pacific Palisades remained submerged in at least 3 feet of sludge, while a rapid debris flow led to a Los Angeles Fire Department vehicle being swept away into the ocean.

Heightened fears of post-fire debris flows have become prevalent since 2018, when Montecito—located north of Los Angeles—was devastated by mudslides following heavy rains that impacted slopes previously scorched by extensive wildfires.

The calamity resulted in damage to hundreds of homes and claimed 23 lives.

Alaska and Arizona among U.S. regions affected by extreme weather

Elsewhere across the United States, Typhoon Halong has caused hurricane-strength winds and destructive storm surges, leading to flooding that displaced homes in Alaska during the weekend.

By Monday, one fatality was confirmed, and two individuals were missing in western Alaska, while more than 50 others had been rescued, some from rooftops.

Officials indicated that recovery would be a lengthy endeavor and emphasized the necessity for ongoing assistance to the most severely impacted communities, especially as winter approaches.

In Tempe, Arizona, a microburst and thunderstorm on Monday released about half an inch of rain within just 10 minutes, as reported by the weather service.

The severe weather resulted in considerable damage, with uprooted trees falling onto vehicles and buildings, blocking streets and sidewalks.

A business complex had its roof significantly damaged, whilst thousands of households experienced power outages.