All evacuation warnings and orders have been lifted throughout the Los Angeles area after hours of heavy rain pelted the region, but residents were warned Sunday to remain alert for potential debris- related dangers as they travel through storm impacted areas, authorities said.
The chance of rain Sunday was forecast at 50%, mostly in spurts of torrential downpours during the morning hours, with skies becoming mostly cloudy by afternoon. Highs were expected to be in the low 60s.
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On Saturday, much of the Southland was pelted with heavy rain that triggered flooding and mudslides in some areas.
Two bands of rain made their way into the region, leading to slick roads overnight and early Saturday
The bulk of the heavy rain had moved on by 2 p.m. Saturday. Rainfall totals ranged from more than 2 inches in greater Los Angeles to roughly 4 inches in the northern parts of the county, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters expected most of the area to receive between 3 and 6 inches of rain through the weekend. More rain is in the forecast for Monday, with clearing expected Tuesday and Wednesday.
Aside from the sheer amount of rain, the bigger concern in flood-prone areas was the rainfall rate -- with flooding and debris flows generally triggered by heavy downpours that drop a large amount of precipitation in a short period of time.
"When considering the rain we have already seen and will continue to see, which should precondition the ground and lower the bar of what sort of additional heavy rain is needed to trigger flash flooding, the risk for significant and potentially damaging flooding continues to be moderate to high with the expected rain rates," the NWS said.
In Orange County, evacuation warnings were lifted for areas near the Airport Fire burn area, including Trabuco Creek, Hot Springs Canyon and Bell Canyon.
The rain caused a minor rockfall and debris flows to a stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard (SR-27) between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive, according to Caltrans. The highway remained closed, and will reopen after the storms pass and crews have removed all hazards.
In Huntington Beach, Pacific Coast Highway was closed from Warner Avenue to Seapoint Street due to flooding, Caltrans reported.
The city of Los Angeles' Emergency Operations Center was activated and the Mayor's Office was coordinating with the Emergency Management Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County Public Works and relevant city departments to ensure all personnel are ready to respond as needed to keep residents safe, officials said.
Los Angeles County was offering residents free sandbags for pickup at the Public Works Fleet Maintenance Yard, 252 Mountain View St. in Altadena, and at the Malibu Library parking lot, 23519 W. Civic Center Way. The LAFD was providing free sandbags at fire stations throughout the city, with sand available at some of those locations. A listing of locations and more information is available at lafd.org/news/lafd-provides-sandbags-homeowners-1.
Sandbags were also available at multiple locations in Orange County. The complete list is available at: https://www.ocfa.org/residents/sandbags.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state pre-deployed emergency response crews in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties to enable faster response to any storm-related issues that develop. He said 274 personnel were being deployed, along with 18 engines, three Urban Search & Rescue companies, six bulldozers, three swiftwater-rescue teams, three helicopters and five dispatchers.
Forecasters urged homeowners to remain prepared for rain by ensuring gutters are cleared and windshield wipers are secure and working. They said people should consider rescheduling outdoor events, and advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded areas.
Officials were also warning people to stay off the roads if possible since water can rise quickly and carry people away, adding that most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
"Avoid the roads, stay indoors as much as possible, and stay aware of your environment," forecasters said. "If you have to drive, allow extra time as traffic will be increased due to slippery roads, low visibility, and localized flooding. If you are near a burn scar, heed the advice of local officials as they know your area best. Reschedule and avoid outdoor activities. If you are outside and hear thunder, see lightning, experience sudden wind shifts, or a sudden increase in rain intensity, head indoors immediately and stay away from windows. Stay out of, and far away from, any streams, rivers, and canyons -- especially campers. Avoid parking near tall trees. Be ready for sudden power outages. Boaters, please stay in safe harbor. For everyone, stay tuned to your local news outlet and weather.gov for any updates."
Sheriff's officials urged people to use websites such as Ready.Lacounty.gov to stay up to date on road closures, weather alerts, and emergency notifications.
"Our deputies will be out monitoring conditions and ensuring community safety," according to the department. "Let's all do our part to stay safe during the storm."
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