Los Angeles, which has been dry for months, is now getting its first rain. This wet weather is helping to put out wildfires but also raises the risk of landslides. Rain totals range from a tiny bit to nearly 2 inches over the last 12 hours on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. The heaviest rain is expected overnight into Monday morning.
While the rain is good for fighting the fires, it could make things tricky if it pours too much. Areas that have burned recently could collapse because they have lost their plants that keep the soil together. A flood watch is in effect for Los Angeles County, and some roads are closed because of mud flows.
Joe Sirard, a meteorologist, said, “Our main concern is the areas that have burned recently. It doesn’t take much rain to cause mud and debris flows.” The flood watch for these areas will stay in place until Monday afternoon and could change to a flood warning if it rains harder.
This is the first major rainfall in LA since April. On Sunday, the National Weather Service also issued a flash flood warning for Malibu, especially around areas affected by fires, but this warning was canceled later that night.
Some roads are closed due to mud flows, including a section of the Pacific Coast Highway. In Woodland Hills, four cars got stuck in mud and needed to be towed. Parts of Interstate 5 were also closed last week due to the Hughes Fire, and police had to escort vehicles across the Grapevine summit because of snow.
The dry hills have contributed to many dangerous wildfires that have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, making it one of the worst disasters in US history. Firefighters are still working hard to control these fires. The Palisades Fire has burned over 23,000 acres and is now 90% under control, while the Eaton Fire, which affected Altadena, is 98% contained. Sadly, more than 16,000 homes have been lost, and there have been 28 confirmed deaths since the flames began during strong winds on January 7.
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