Southern California's first major rainstorm of the season has triggered flooding, mudflows, and widespread closures across Los Angeles County, particularly impacting areas recently scarred by wildfires.
The slow-moving storm system brought substantial rainfall, with Los Angeles and Ventura county mountains receiving 2-3 inches of rain. Several L.A. Basin communities recorded over an inch of precipitation, breaking a prolonged dry spell in the region.
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch through Monday afternoon, warning of dangerous conditions in areas affected by recent fires including the Palisades, Eaton, Hughes, Franklin and Bridge burn zones. These fire-scorched areas face elevated risks of debris flows as the burned soil repels water, potentially triggering mudslides carrying rocks, branches and other debris toward foothill communities.
Road closures have already impacted major thoroughfares, including sections of Pacific Coast Highway near Topanga Canyon due to flooding. The 5 freeway at the Grapevine was also shut down. Multiple Malibu public schools suspended operations citing hazardous road conditions.
In Pasadena, where the community is still recovering from the Eaton fire's two-week closure of schools, parents and students returned to campuses wearing masks due to concerns about toxic chemicals in windborne ash.
Weather officials advise residents near burn areas to:
- Avoid traveling through affected zones if possible
- Use sandbags to protect property
- Stock up on supplies in case roads become blocked
While the rain provides temporary relief from fire dangers, experts caution that Southern California remains in severe drought conditions. UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain notes that just one Santa Ana wind event could quickly reverse the moisture benefits, returning fire risks to elevated levels.
The storm system is expected to continue sending waves of precipitation through Monday, with some areas facing continued threats of flooding and debris flows as saturated soil struggles to absorb additional rainfall.