Drivers are warned today to remain alert for potential debris-related dangers as they travel through storm impacted areas, authorities said, after heavy rain pelted the region on Saturday, triggering mudslides and flooding.
The chance of rain on Sunday, Nov. 16, was forecast at 50%, mostly in spurts of torrential downpours during the morning hours, with skies becoming mostly cloudy by afternoon. Highs were expected to be in the low 60s.
The bulk of the heavy rain had moved on by 2 p.m. Saturday. Rainfall totals ranged from more than 2 inches in greater Los Angeles to roughly 4 inches in the northern parts of the county, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters expected most of the area to receive between 3 and 6 inches of rain through the weekend. More rain is in the forecast for Monday, with clearing expected Tuesday and Wednesday.
Aside from the sheer amount of rain, the bigger concern in flood-prone areas was the rainfall rate — with flooding and debris flows generally triggered by heavy downpours that drop a large amount of precipitation in a short period of time.
“When considering the rain we have already seen and will continue to see, which should precondition the ground and lower the bar of what sort of additional heavy rain is needed to trigger flash flooding, the risk for significant and potentially damaging flooding continues to be moderate to high with the expected rain rates,” the NWS said.
In Orange County, evacuation warnings were lifted for areas near the Airport Fire burn area, including Trabuco Creek, Hot Springs Canyon and Bell Canyon. Pacific Coast Highway, from Warner Avenue to Seapoint Street in Huntington Beach, is now back open in both directions, Caltrans announced Sunday morning. The road had been closed due to flooding.
The rain caused a minor rockfall and debris flows to a stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive, according to Caltrans. The highway remained closed, and would reopen after the storms pass and crews have removed all hazards.
Los Angeles County was offering residents free sandbags for pickup at the Public Works Fleet Maintenance Yard, 252 Mountain View St. in Altadena, and at the Malibu Library parking lot, 23519 W. Civic Center Way. The LAFD was providing free sandbags at fire stations throughout the city, with sand available at some of those locations.
Sandbags were also available at multiple locations in Orange County. The complete list is available at: https://www.ocfa.org/residents/sandbags.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state pre-deployed emergency response crews in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties to enable faster response to any storm-related issues that develop. He said 274 personnel were being deployed, along with 18 engines, three Urban Search & Rescue companies, six bulldozers, three swiftwater-rescue teams, three helicopters and five dispatchers.
Forecasters urged homeowners to remain prepared for rain by ensuring gutters are cleared and windshield wipers are secure and working. They said people should consider rescheduling outdoor events, and advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded areas.
Officials encourage Southern California residents to monitor Ready.LA County.gov, Prepare.SB County.gov, Ready Riverside.org and Ready OC.com for road closures, weather alerts and emergency notifications.