Residents, businesses, and government officials are bracing for stormy weather that forecasters predicted will hit Southern California sometime Thursday.
The National Weather Service said Southern California is going to get a "significant" soaking of rain over the next few days, beginning later Thursday evening, prompting warnings for residents near recent burn areas to be prepared to evacuate due to the risk of flooding or debris flows.
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"A large storm system will move into the Central Coast Thursday afternoon, arriving Thursday night into Friday farther south," according to the National Weather Service. "The storm will generate periods of moderate to heavy rain Thursday through Saturday, and possibly into early next week.
"Quite a bit of uncertainty in the progression of the storm exists, however, flooding of roadways and burn scars is possible, especially Friday and Saturday.
"Residents, especially those in vulnerable areas, should start taking precautions immediately to prepare for the storm and protect their interests. This scenario would potentially create many significant impacts area- wide, including possible debris flows in the burn areas, significant ponding of roads and highways, mudslides through the canyons, fallen trees, etc."
The city of Los Angeles issued an evacuation warning that'll be in effect from 6 p.m. Thursday through 11 a.m. Sunday for residents near the Palisades, Hurst and Sunset fire burn zones
Los Angeles Police Department officers were expected to go door-to- door in particularly high-risk neighborhoods to contact residents.
Los Angeles' Emergency Operations Center will activate at 6 p.m. Thursday and the Mayor's Office will continue coordinating with the Emergency Management Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, LAPD, Los Angeles County Public Works and relevant city departments to ensure all personnel are ready to respond as needed to keep residents safe, according to a statement from Mayor Karen Bass.
County officials, meanwhile, issued an evacuation warning for residents near the Eaton Fire area in Altadena. County officials warned that any other recent burn area could also be at increased risk of flooding or debris flows.
In the Palisades Fire area, Caltrans will close Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive at 10 p.m. Thursday. Caltrans officials said motorists should expect the stretch to remain closed at least through the Friday morning commute, but potentially through the weekend, depending how the storm develops.
That stretch of Topanga Canyon has been undergoing nightly repairs, with the road closed between midnight and 5 a.m.
Doug, a resident up in the Highlands, told KNX News’ Jon Baird he’s not too worried about impacts from the storm.
“I'm a bit relieved in that where we happen to live up near the top, I think it's less likely to be impacted by debris coming down the hill because we're above it,” he said. “Also, my wife and I have talked about this, the road that comes down to Palisades Drive appears to be situated such that it would actually move whatever comes down away from us rather than towards us.”
NWS forecasters urged homeowners to prepare for the 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.
The region began experiencing a change in the weather Wednesday, with increasing clouds leading to cooler temperatures, which topped out in the 60s and 70s.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department issued a statement Wednesday urging people to be prepared, offering a series of tips:
-- Drive carefully, slow down and allow extra stopping distance;
-- avoid flooded roads, turn around, wait it out;
-- prepare your property by gathering sand bags, and checking gutters and drains; and
-- check the condition of your vehicle and replace windshield wipers and tires if needed.
Sheriff's officials urged people to use websites like http://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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