Weekend Rain Probably Won’t Cause Debris Flows in Fire-Ravaged Areas
Rainfall Expected to Bring Relief to Firefighters
Southern California is expected to receive some rainfall beginning this weekend, meteorologists said on Friday, January 24, with on-and-off showers bringing up to an inch and a half of rain in some parts, spread out over the three days.
Rain could begin as early as Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles, but it’s likely that the heavier rain will fall on Sunday night and into Monday, meteorologist Kristan Lund said.
Containment Jumps Made in Hughes, Palisades Fires as Winds Make Way for Potentially Wet Weekend
Temperatures will drop significantly as the cold storm system moves into the area. Saturday will see highs in the low 60s across the county, and will progressively drop into the high 50s.
Good News for Firefighters, but Rain Could Bring Problems Too
There is a 10% to 20% chance of thunderstorms, which could be dangerous in the wake of recent wildfires. If a thunderstorm occurs and happens to line up with one of the fire-scarred areas, there’s risk of a debris flow.
The Ground is Hydrophobic After a Fire
However, meteorologists don’t expect that this incoming weather system will bring enough rain to cause debris flows or mudslides.
Palisades Fire’s Scarred Footprint to Receive an Inch of Precipitation
In the Castaic area, where the Hughes fire has raged, the expected rain will be a welcome aid to firefighters battling the blaze. That area is expected to get an inch of rain over a few days.
Eaton Fire’s Burn Print Most at Risk This Weekend
Of the three fires, the Eaton fire’s burn print is most at risk this weekend, due to its proximity to the mountains. However, prediction models suggest that Altadena will only receive slightly more rainfall than Malibu.
Debris Cleanup Underway in Fire-Affected Areas
Debris cleanup was underway this week, with the focus on removing hazardous materials in the Palisades and Eaton fire areas, as well as clearing sediment and debris from flood-control dams and debris basins.
Orange County and Inland Empire to See Similar Drop in Temperatures
Orange County and the Inland Empire are expected to see a similar drop in temperatures this weekend. Highs will be in the mid to low 60s across that region on Saturday, dropping down to mid 50s by Monday.
Rainfall Expected in Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties
Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties will receive rain as well this weekend, perhaps one half to three quarters of an inch dispersed between Saturday and Monday to most areas, meteorologist Adam Roser said.
Riverside and San Bernardino Counties May See Lower Amounts of Rain
Some valley locations could see slightly over an inch, while mountain regions may receive up to two inches. Riverside and San Bernardino counties, however, may end up seeing amounts of rain on the lower side, due to mountains in Orange County creating a “rain shadow,” Roser said.
San Bernardino County Fire Department Issues Warning
The San Bernardino County Fire Department posted a warning to homeowners on social media ahead of the expected rain: They were urged to take precautions such as having an emergency plan in place, assembling a disaster kit, clearing nearby gutters and drainage systems, and using sandbags to divert water from their homes.
National Weather Service Issues Winter Storm Warning
The National Weather Service also issued a winter storm warning beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, and lasting until 4 p.m. Monday, January 27, for the San Bernardino County Mountains, including Wrightwood, Big Bear, Crestline Running Springs and Lake Arrowhead. It anticipates 12 to 18 inches of snow above 6,000 feet and three to six inches of snow above 4,000 feet.
Conclusion
While the rain may bring some relief to firefighters battling the blazes, it’s still important for residents in fire-scarred areas to take precautions to ensure their safety.
FAQs
* Will the rain cause debris flows or mudslides?
+ Meteorologists don’t expect that this incoming weather system will bring enough rain to cause debris flows or mudslides.
* How much rain is expected in fire-scarred areas?
+ The Palisades fire’s scarred footprint is expected to receive an inch of precipitation, while the Castaic area is expected to get an inch of rain over a few days.
* What precautions should residents in fire-scarred areas take?
+ Residents should have an emergency plan in place, assemble a disaster kit, clear nearby gutters and drainage systems, and use sandbags to divert water from their homes.
