Residents across Southern California are being forced to leave their homes as relentless heavy rainfall continues to batter the region. Torrential downpours have led to severe flooding, overflowing rivers, and dangerous mudslides, prompting emergency officials to issue evacuation orders in multiple areas.
Authorities are urging people to seek higher ground and take necessary precautions as the storm intensifies, bringing the risk of further devastation. Many communities are experiencing road closures, power outages, and rising water levels, making evacuation efforts even more challenging. Officials warn that the situation could worsen in the coming hours, urging residents to stay alert and follow safety guidelines.
Why It Matters
Meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) in California have been issuing warnings throughout the week about the potential dangers associated with the incoming storm, with a particular focus on Southern California. One of the biggest concerns in this region is the risk of debris flows, especially in areas affected by recent wildfires. Burn scars left behind by these fires create unstable ground conditions, making them highly susceptible to dangerous landslides and mudslides when exposed to heavy rainfall.
Central California is also expected to experience significant storm-related impacts. The NWS office in the Bay Area has identified heavy rain, strong winds, and widespread flooding as the primary hazards affecting the region. As the storm intensifies, officials are urging residents to take necessary precautions to protect their homes and safety.
What To Know
A powerful storm system, fueled by an atmospheric river, is bringing relentless rainfall to California, resulting in evacuation orders and flood warnings across multiple counties. This storm is expected to deliver substantial amounts of rain, particularly in Southern California, where coastal and valley areas—including the Los Angeles Basin—could receive up to three inches of rainfall. Meanwhile, mountainous regions may see even higher totals, with projections reaching up to six inches.
According to the NWS, the most intense period of rainfall is expected to occur on Thursday and continue into the evening, potentially leading to dangerous conditions such as flash flooding, mudslides, and overflowing rivers. Residents in at-risk areas are being urged to stay informed, follow evacuation guidelines, and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety as the storm progresses.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has announced that a flood watch will take effect on Thursday for areas near recent wildfire burn sites. This precautionary measure is being implemented due to the heightened risk of flash flooding and debris flows in these regions. Burn scars left by past wildfires create unstable soil conditions, making the land unable to absorb large amounts of rainfall effectively. As a result, heavy rain can quickly trigger dangerous mudslides and flooding, endangering nearby communities. Authorities are urging residents in these high-risk zones to remain vigilant, follow emergency alerts, and be prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen.
According to data from PowerOutage.us, over 35,000 residents across California are currently experiencing power outages as a result of the ongoing severe weather. Heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding have disrupted the electrical grid, causing widespread blackouts in multiple communities. Utility crews are working to restore power, but continued storm conditions may prolong outages in some areas. Officials are advising affected residents to take precautions, such as using flashlights instead of candles for safety, keeping refrigerators closed to preserve food, and staying updated on restoration efforts through emergency alerts.
As heavy rain continues to batter the region, evacuation warnings remain in place across several areas of Los Angeles County, including Palisades, Mandeville Canyon, Sunset, Eaton, and Hurst burn scar zones. These warnings will remain in effect until 2 p.m. on Friday due to the extreme risk of life-threatening debris flows in these wildfire-affected regions. Officials have urged residents in these areas to stay alert and be prepared to evacuate immediately if conditions worsen.
Meanwhile, the dangerous conditions caused by the storm have already led to a frightening incident in Malibu. According to Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) spokesperson Erik Scott, an LAFD firefighter sustained minor injuries on Thursday after his vehicle was swept into the ocean by a powerful debris flow. Fortunately, the firefighter was able to escape the vehicle and was transported to a hospital as a precaution. Emergency responders continue to monitor the situation closely as the storm persists, warning residents to avoid flooded roads and unstable terrain.
Evacuation Orders and Warnings Issued Across Southern California Amid Storm Threat
Authorities in Orange County have issued mandatory evacuation orders for residents in Trabuco, Bell, and Hot Springs Canyons due to the high risk of dangerous debris flows near the Airport Fire burn scar. These areas, already vulnerable due to past wildfire damage, face an increased threat of flash flooding and mudslides as heavy rain continues to drench the region. Meanwhile, communities near Long and Modjeska Canyons remain under evacuation warnings, meaning residents should be prepared to leave if conditions worsen.
In Ventura County, officials from the Sheriff’s Emergency Services department have issued evacuation warnings for residents living near the Mountain Fire burn area. These warnings will remain in effect until 8 a.m. on Friday. Officials have cautioned that while widespread flooding is a concern, there is also a “remote possibility” that certain parts of the burn area—including South Mountain—could experience intense rainfall rates of 0.75 inches per hour or more. Such heavy downpours could rapidly trigger flash floods and landslides, posing a significant danger to those in low-lying and fire-scarred areas.
Residents in all affected regions are being urged to stay informed, heed evacuation orders, and take necessary precautions as the storm system continues to move through Southern California.
In response to the ongoing severe weather, San Bernardino County has escalated its evacuation warnings to mandatory evacuation orders for residents in the Highland community, particularly near the Line Fire burn scar, as of Thursday. This decision stems from the increased threat of debris flows in areas previously affected by wildfires.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flash flood watch covering much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, effective through Thursday night. The advisory emphasizes the heightened risk in burn scar regions, where heavy rainfall can lead to dangerous mud and debris flows. Beyond these specific zones, flood alerts have been extended statewide, as the relentless downpour poses a significant threat of flash flooding in urban centers and along roadways. Reports from law enforcement on Thursday highlighted multiple incidents of rock and mudslides in areas such as Malibu and the Santa Cruz Mountains, leading to hazardous conditions and road closures.
Proactively addressing the storm’s potential impact, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has strategically deployed resources across 14 counties, ranging from Sonoma in Northern California to San Diego at the southern border. While Northern California, including the Bay Area, is experiencing significant rainfall, officials anticipate fewer issues compared to the southern regions. This is partly due to the south’s recent wildfire activity, which has left landscapes more susceptible to flooding and debris flows.
Residents across the state are urged to remain vigilant, adhere to evacuation orders and warnings, and stay informed through official channels as the situation continues to evolve.
Los Angeles County Prepares for Storm Impact
In anticipation of the severe weather, Los Angeles County officials have taken extensive precautionary measures to minimize storm damage and protect residents. Crews have been actively clearing debris basins, ensuring that accumulated mud, branches, and other materials do not obstruct water flow and contribute to dangerous flooding. Additionally, concrete barriers have been strategically placed in fire-scarred areas to help divert water and prevent landslides, while sandbags have been distributed to reinforce storm drains and filter debris.
Emergency response teams, including search-and-rescue units, sheriff’s deputies, and helicopters, are on high alert and ready to respond to flooding, debris flows, and other storm-related emergencies. Officials have assured residents that resources are in place to assist those in distress and ensure public safety throughout the storm.
Expert and Official Statements
Meteorologists warn that this storm could bring unprecedented rainfall to the region. Lisa Phillips, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, told The New York Times:
“It’s looking like we’re going to be seeing the highest amount of rain that we’ve had in a single storm so far this season.”
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized that evacuation efforts are already underway to protect those in high-risk areas. She assured residents that local authorities have been proactively informing individuals in evacuation zones:
“If you reside in a home where you need to evacuate, the LAPD has knocked on your door and left a door hanger. So individuals have been contacted if they need to evacuate.”
Officials continue to urge residents to take warnings seriously, prepare for potential evacuations, and stay updated through official channels as the storm progresses.
Officials Urge Caution as Storm Continues
As the powerful storm brings dangerous weather conditions to Los Angeles County, authorities are emphasizing the importance of following evacuation orders and safety precautions. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna issued a stern warning to residents, urging them not to underestimate the severity of the situation:
“Storms can bring sudden and severe conditions that make staying back home extremely risky. Do not take that chance.”
Officials stress that ignoring evacuation orders could put lives in danger, as conditions can deteriorate rapidly, leading to flash floods, mudslides, and impassable roads. Emergency responders are on high alert, but authorities emphasize that taking action early is the best way to ensure safety.
What to Expect Next
Weather warnings will remain in effect until Friday, when the storm is expected to weaken and move out of the region. Once the system clears, forecasters predict a significant improvement in weather conditions. The weekend is expected to bring warmer temperatures and dry conditions, providing much-needed relief for storm-weary residents. However, officials caution that recovery efforts—such as clearing debris, restoring power, and assessing damage—may continue in affected areas even after the rain stops. Residents are advised to stay informed, follow local updates, and allow emergency crews to work safely in impacted zones.
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