LA Burn Areas On Flood Watch Ahead Of Forecasted Rain, Thunderstorms

LOS ANGELES, CA — The National Weather Service issued a flood watch in Los Angeles County burn areas due to rain and thunderstorms forecasted this weekend.

Rain is expected to start up in Los Angeles Saturday night, with the heaviest showers predicted on Sunday and Monday, forecasters said. In the charred Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas, rain could spell danger due to heightened risk of debris flow and flash flooding.

"The soil has been burned in some places where it's hydrophobic, meaning that it will not take water in. This is the perfect condition for debris flows, which can be extremely damaging and can travel through the community and create future hazards for those that have been left behind," LA County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella said.

In the time since the fires broke out, engineers from Public Works have surveyed the Palisades and Eaton fire burn areas to survey the chances of mudflow impacting homes. Last week, engineers conducting preliminary reconnaissance in the Eaton Fire area identified 21 homes that could be impacted by mudflow during rain, a Public Works spokesperson told Patch.

Officials began preparing for rain in advance, Public Works told Patch. County culverts, dams and debris basins area ll prepared in the case of flooding and mudflow.

"Dams and Debris Basins have been inspected and are fully functional for storm operations.

Once reconnaissance is complete, Public Works will be mapping potential mudflow areas and providing mudflow engineering advice for individual homes," a spokesperson told Patch.

Mudflow maps for both the Eaton and Palisades fire areas will be available on the Public Works website following evaluation, officials said. Mudflow engineering advice for homeowners can be requested by calling 800-933-0930.

Ahead of rains, residents in burn areas should clear any drains, gutters and flow paths on the property. In the case of heavy rainfall, residents should be prepared to evacuate if severe flooding does occur.

For residents interested in getting sandbags for their properties, visit the LA County Public Works website to see a list of locations that provide sand and sandbags.