Rainstorm Hits Los Angeles

Introduction to the Storm

The first substantial rainstorm of the fall season brought the threat of mudslides, flooding, possible thunderstorms and an evacuation order for parts of one Los Angeles community devastated during January’s wildfires.

Driving on freeways Tuesday morning, Oct. 14, could be treacherous, with numerous spin-outs and collisions reported.
Showers were expected to continue through the afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings

In addition to heavy rain and flooding, there was also a threat of thunderstorms and possible flooding throughout Southern California and evacuation warnings were issued for residents near recent burn areas.
About 120 homes in the Pacific Palisades area were under mandatory evacuation orders, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
Within the Palisades fire burn area, 114 of the homes under mandatory evacuation were in the Mandeville Canyon area, five were in the Hearst area and one in the Sunset area, LAFD spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said.
All were deemed to be at higher risk from possible debris flows, and Los Angeles police began knocking on doors of those homes Monday night, she said.

Storm Forecast and Possible Impacts

The storm was expected to produce three-quarters of an inch to 1.5 inches of rain across most areas, with 2 to 4 inches possible on south-facing mountain slopes, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters said as much as 5 inches could potentially fall in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Hail and gusty winds are threats, with waterspouts or a weak tornado possible, the agency added.
A wind advisory will be in effect until 2 p.m. Tuesday in the San Gabriel Mountains, where isolated gusts of up to 50 mph are possible.
“Several of the projections are now showing the rain organizing and intensifying as it swings into L.A. County, which is concerning for the recent burn scars — especially the Eaton and Bridge scars,” the National Weather Service said in a report.

Preparations and Warnings for Other Areas

In advance of the rain, evacuation warnings were posted for most recent burn scar areas, including for the Palisades and Eaton fires, along with the Hurst fire in Sylmar and the Sunset fire in the Hollywood Hills.
Residents were urged to prepare to evacuate due to the possibility of flooding and debris flows.
In Orange County, authorities issued an evacuation warning for areas near the Airport fire burn scar, including for the Trabuco Creek area and Modjeska Canyon.

Conclusion

The rainstorm hitting Los Angeles has brought significant concerns for residents, especially those in areas recently affected by wildfires. The mandatory evacuation orders for 120 homes in the Pacific Palisades area and the evacuation warnings for other burn scar areas highlight the need for preparedness and vigilance in the face of severe weather conditions.

FAQs

• Q: How many homes are under mandatory evacuation orders in the Pacific Palisades area?
  A: About 120 homes are under mandatory evacuation orders.
• Q: What areas are at higher risk from possible debris flows?
  A: The Mandeville Canyon, Hearst, and Sunset areas within the Palisades fire burn area are at higher risk.
• Q: How much rain is expected to fall in the San Gabriel Mountains?
  A: As much as 5 inches could potentially fall.
• Q: Are there any other weather threats associated with the storm?
  A: Yes, hail, gusty winds, waterspouts, or a weak tornado are possible.
• Q: When was the article originally published?
  A: October 14, 2025, at 9:12 AM PDT.