A brief calm between storms was in the weather forecast for the Southland Friday — with isolated light showers expected throughout the day and night ahead of more significant precipitation starting Saturday and a chance of showers persisting through Thursday.
One day after record rains pounded some Southland areas — putting a damper of the Rose Parade — the National Weather Service on Friday predicted a storm front arriving in the Southland early Saturday afternoon. It was expected to bring moderate rains totaling one to two inches, along with gusty winds, to Los Angeles and Orange counties. Temperatures were expected to oscillate between the 50s and 60s,
As always, the rainy forecast brings concerns of potential flooding, along with mud and debris flows, particularly in recent burn areas.
On Friday, the city of Los Angeles issued an Evacuation Warning, starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, for the Sunset Fire area, as well as for the Hurst Fire and Mandeville areas regarding “possible post-fire debris flows.” Residents were being advised to prepare for possible evacuations. According to the L.A. Fire Department, “Houses in the warning area with high risk will be visited by LAPD with protective information.”
Further evacuation warnings could also be posted, and motorists were advised to stay off the roads if possible and to exercise extreme caution if they do drive.
“County departments are actively monitoring conditions and stand ready to respond to emergencies as needed,” Hilda Solis, chair of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors, said in a statement Friday.
“These storms significantly increase the risk of flash flooding, mudslides, and debris flows, particularly in communities impacted by recent fires.”
Solis’ statement also said, “I proclaimed a local emergency during last week’s storm to ensure the County could quickly coordinate resources, protect residents, and accelerate recovery efforts. While we have experienced an unusually wet holiday season, it remains critical for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to remain safe.”
The supervisor advised that, for up-to-date information on the storm, residents can visit lacounty.gov/emergency or sign up for emergency alerts at alert.lacounty.gov.
In addition, sand and sandbag distribution sites can be found at pw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags.
To check on evacuation statuses, residents can download the Genasys Alert app or visit genasys.com.
Forecasters said the initial estimate is a quarter- to half-inch per hour with isolated rates up to .75 of an inch during the most intense storm period Saturday. Thunderstorm potential looked minimal, but a beach hazards statement was issued for Orange County, where tides could combine with southerly winds at times to bring minor tidal overflows at area beaches.
Record New Year’s Day rainfall was recorded Thursday at the following sites, according to the NWS:
— Hollywood/Burbank Airport, 1.32 inches, breaking the previous record of .35 inches set in 2006;
— Long Beach Airport, 1.11 inches, breaking the previous record of .6 inches set in 1982′; and
— Lancaster, .87 inches, breaking the previous record of .24 inches set in 2006.
The weather service added that several significant storms affecting southwestern California from October through December have brought seasonal rainfall totals already close to or above normal full-season levels, with January and February still to come.
Although active rainfall was mostly on pause during Thursday’s 137th Tournament of Roses Parade, the route along Colorado Boulevard was rain-slickened for the first time in 20 years, skies were uncharacteristically overcast, and many in the crowd wore ponchos to protect themselves from the overnight rain.
Meanwhile, Caltrans was expected to reopen a 3.6-mile stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive in the unincorporated community of Topanga on Friday morning, after crews completed the removal of debris flows from the roadway.
The stretch of road will still have previous restrictions in place due to ongoing recovery efforts from the Palisades Fire. It is closed to the public from midnight to 5 a.m. daily.
State and local officials also have precautions in place for weather-related emergency response needs.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has directed the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services to pre-position fire and rescue personnel and resources in areas most at risk for flooding, mud, and debris flows — including parts of Southern California, with a particular eye toward burn scar areas.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ office said the city’s Emergency Operations Center was activated Wednesday to coordinate preparedness measures and ensure all personnel are ready to respond as needed.
Bass added that the LAFD had augmented staffing of specialized resources that can assist with swift water rescues, mud and debris flows, and other rain-related issues with a specific focus in burn scar areas.
Additionally, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power was poised to respond to any potential power outages and will work around the clock to meet customer demand, according to the mayor’s office. L.A. Sanitation was also on standby to assist with any flooding calls and with monitoring the city’s wastewater conveyance system to manage the additional incoming water flow.
The L.A. County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting Wednesday, when the board ratified a local emergency proclamation issued earlier by Solis.
The proclamation allows the county “to seek reimbursement for storm-related damages and accelerate recovery efforts” and ensure that “resources and assistance can be deployed quickly to support residents and communities affected by the storms.”