A cold system is expected to move into the Los Angeles region on Saturday afternoon, raising the risk of mudslides and debris flow and perhaps bringing rain until Monday morning.
There hasn’t been any substantial rainfall in the Southern California region for hundreds of days. Entire communities have been ravaged by wildfires caused by the exceptionally dry circumstances. Since the beginning of the flames on January 7, about 50,000 acres have burnt.
Because the terrain does not ordinarily absorb water, weather forecasters warn that places recently devastated by wildfires are more vulnerable to flooding.
With cooler temperatures and a sea breeze, the cooling trend will start on Friday night. The system will not be a normal cold front or atmospheric river occurrence, according to the National Weather Service.
According to the NWS, rain in Los Angeles County could range from 0.01 to 1.25 inches. The Southern California region has a 10 to 20% probability of thunderstorms.
“No major flooding risks except 5-10% chance of significant debris and burn scars for LA and Ventura Co,” warned the National Weather Service.
According to weather forecasters, Saturday will be primarily cloudy with the chance of morning drizzle, but the real rain won’t start until late afternoon or evening.
Residents in the fire zones have started to repopulate, so while the rain will lessen the risk of a fire, it will increase other risks. Prior to the weather event, crews have been working to remove debris from properties that have been damaged or destroyed.
In anticipation of the possible rain, sandbag stations have also been set up at community centers and fire stations throughout the county.
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To identify and safeguard high-risk regions, hundreds of people have been mobilized, including engineers, geologists, and National Guard soldiers.
Additionally, starting Wednesday, the city of Pasadena will provide free, pre-filled sandbags at the following locations:
- 1456 E. Mendocino Street, Altadena Golf Course, CA 91001
- 3895 Rambla Pacifico Street, Las Flores Creek Park, Malibu, CA.
- 1081 N. Fair Oaks, Robinson Park (south parking lot), 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with the exception of Saturday, January 25, when there is a special event.
- Victory Park, 2575 Paloma St., parking lot along Altadena Dr., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additionally, a limited amount of sand and sandbags will be available at the following Pasadena Fire Department stations:
- Fire Station 37 is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 3430 E. Foothill Blvd.
- Fire Station 38 is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1150 Linda Vista Ave.
Residents in Pasadena are only permitted to bring ten pre-filled sandbags. Both the LA County and Pasadena locations require proof of residency in order to acquire the sand and sandbags.
