A strong storm system that brought record rainfall to parts of Los Angeles County was lingering Friday and expected to move on.
A possibility of scattered showers were forecast through Friday evening in many parts of the Southland, according to the National Weather Service.
The bulk of the storm moved through the Southland early Thursday amid evacuation warnings and fears of debris flows. Later that morning, Mayor Karen Bass said the worst of the storm had passed, posting on X, “Angelenos: The heaviest rain has moved out of the LA area.”
The storm also caused a rare tornado Thursday morning in Pico Rivera with wind speeds of 85 miles per hour. No injuries were reported, but the tornado caused some roof damage to a few homes, along with uprooted trees, damaged cars, downed power lines and ruptured water pipes, mostly in the Glencannon Drive area.
In anticipation of the storm, LA County Public Works crews prepared debris basins, stabilized slopes and reinforced drainage systems to reduce flood risk, particularly in recent burn areas including Eaton, Palisades, Bridge, Hurst, Kenneth, Hughes, Sunset, Lidia and Franklin.
“While these efforts reduce flood risk, the storm could still bring moderate debris and mudflows to burn areas, potentially blocking streets and threatening structures depending on their location and the local terrain,” the department stated.
“To mitigate potential impacts, L.A. County Public Works has activated 24/7 storm patrols and remains fully mobilized,” officials added.
L.A. County’s Mudflow Advice Hotline can be reached at 800-933-0930 for questions about debris flows.
For storm preparedness tips, the county advised residents to visit READY.LACounty.gov.
In Orange County, officials issued evacuation warnings for areas in the Trabuco Canyon, Hot Springs Canyon, Bell Canyon, Long Canyon and Modjeska Canyon due to possible debris flows along or near the Airport Fire burn scar.
Health officials also warned the public to avoid the water at all Los Angeles County beaches due to high levels of bacteria anticipated due to the rain. That warning will be in effect until 72 hours after the last of the rainfall.