Evacuation Alerts Issued as Los Angeles Faces Growing Mudslide Danger

Starting Thursday morning, officials have issued evacuation warnings for certain areas of Los Angeles County due to the increasing threat of mudslides. The warnings come as heavy rainfall and unstable terrain heighten the risk of dangerous landslides, prompting authorities to urge residents in vulnerable zones to prepare for possible evacuations. Local emergency services are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and ready to leave if conditions worsen.

Why It Matters

In January, Los Angeles County faced a devastating series of wildfires that burned simultaneously, leaving a lasting impact on the region. Among them, the Eaton and Palisades fires were the most destructive, rapidly spreading across vast areas before finally being fully contained.

The aftermath of these fires has left certain regions, known as “burn scar” areas, particularly vulnerable to natural disasters such as mudslides and flash floods. These areas, where vegetation has been stripped away and the soil has become unstable, are now at a heightened risk of erosion and dangerous debris flows during heavy rainfall.

The wildfires scorched thousands of acres, reducing entire communities to ash and destroying thousands of homes, businesses, and other structures. In response, officials enforced mandatory evacuations, displacing thousands of residents for extended periods—some for weeks—as emergency crews battled the flames and worked to secure the affected areas. Now, as storms approach, these same communities face another looming threat, underscoring the long-term consequences of such natural disasters.

What to Know

Authorities have issued evacuation warnings in anticipation of an approaching storm, set to begin at 7 a.m. on Thursday and remain in effect until 2 p.m. on Friday. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) issued the alert, citing an increased risk of mudslides and debris flows in areas that were recently impacted by wildfires. These conditions pose a serious threat to residents living in regions where vegetation loss and unstable soil make landslides more likely.

Officials have specifically identified several neighborhoods near the Palisades Fire burn area as being at high risk. Residents in these communities are urged to remain prepared for possible evacuations. The affected locations include:

• Getty Villa area

• The Highlands, near the fire damage zone

• Bienveneda area, near Temescal Canyon Park

• Reseda Boulevard/Marinette Road area, near Will Rogers State Park

• Mandeville Canyon, above Tanners Road

Additionally, authorities are monitoring areas affected by the Sunset Fire, with further details expected as the situation develops. Residents in these zones should stay informed through official channels, have emergency plans in place, and be ready to evacuate if conditions worsen.

Hurst Fire Area

Authorities have also identified Olive Lane within the Oakridge Mobile Home Park as a high-risk zone due to its location within the Hurst Fire burn area. Residents in this community are advised to remain on high alert as the incoming storm increases the likelihood of mudslides and debris flows. Given the area’s history of wildfire damage, officials warn that the scorched terrain may struggle to absorb heavy rainfall, potentially leading to hazardous conditions. Residents should stay informed, follow emergency updates, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

What People Are Saying

Todd Hall, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS), spoke with Newsweek on Wednesday night, providing insight into the risks posed by the incoming storm. He explained that the region’s native plants contain natural oils, which, when burned in wildfires, leave behind a waxy residue on the soil. This coating significantly reduces the ground’s ability to absorb rainfall, leading to increased runoff, flooding, and potential debris flows in wildfire-affected areas.

“Evacuation warnings are being issued because this is a potentially dangerous situation that could result in debris flows,” Hall emphasized, urging residents in affected zones to take the alerts seriously.

When asked about concerns for residents outside the officially designated warning areas, Hall noted that the primary threat would be heavy rainfall and roadway flooding. He warned that the afternoon commute could be impacted, with gusty winds further complicating travel conditions. Additionally, while the probability is low, Hall mentioned a 5 percent chance of a tornado, adding another layer of uncertainty to the already severe weather forecast.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging all residents—whether in evacuation zones or not—to remain cautious and prepared for rapidly changing conditions.

State Response and What Happens Next

On Wednesday, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a public alert ahead of the approaching winter storm. Their message warned residents across the state to prepare for potential impacts, emphasizing that emergency resources were being strategically prepositioned to respond quickly if needed.

“Heads up, California! Another winter storm is set to impact communities statewide,” the agency wrote. ”@Cal_OES is prepositioning resources to be ready. It’s important that you also take steps to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones.”

Officials are urging residents to stay informed, make emergency preparations, and follow any evacuation warnings or road closure advisories that may arise as the storm progresses.

What Happens Next

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the storm is expected to continue impacting the region through Thursday and Friday before gradually moving out by the weekend. While conditions are expected to improve, the risk of lingering flooding, mudslides, and hazardous road conditions may persist even after the storm passes. Authorities will continue monitoring affected areas and providing updates as necessary.