Los Angeles County is set to receive its first significant rainfall in months, offering relief to a region parched by an unusually dry start to the rainy season. However, the incoming storm also raises concerns about potential mudslides and flash floods, particularly in areas recently affected by wildfires.
The rain, expected to arrive Saturday night and continue through Monday, comes after weeks of Santa Ana winds that fueled wildfires across Southern California. While the precipitation will help replenish dry vegetation and aid firefighting efforts, meteorologists warn that heavy bursts could trigger debris flows in burn-scarred regions.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for parts of Los Angeles County, including areas impacted by the Hughes, Bridge, Franklin, Palisades, and Eaton fires. Kristan Lund, a meteorologist with the Weather Service, emphasized the risks, noting a 20% chance of debris flows damaging roads and structures. Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to use sandbags and prepare for possible road closures.
Since May 1, downtown Los Angeles has recorded just over a quarter-inch of rain, making this weekend’s storm a potential game-changer. Forecasts predict up to an inch of rain across the county, with isolated thunderstorms possibly delivering rainfall at rates of three-quarters of an inch per hour. These intense downpours could lead to mudslides, particularly in areas where wildfires have stripped the landscape of stabilizing vegetation.
Jayme Laber, a hydrologist with the Weather Service, highlighted the dual nature of the rain. “Gentle rains will help burn areas recover and re-vegetate,” Laber said. However, heavier rains could overwhelm the fragile terrain, increasing the risk of flooding and debris flows.
The storm is expected to temporarily reduce wildfire risks, but experts caution that one system won’t be enough to fully mitigate the danger. “It’s only going to help things out for a couple of weeks,” said Matt Shameson, a meteorologist with the U.S. Forest Service. He added that additional rainfall in the coming weeks would be needed to make a significant impact.
While the rain brings much-needed relief, it also underscores the challenges of managing extreme weather in a region grappling with prolonged drought and wildfire damage. For now, Los Angeles residents are urged to stay vigilant and prepare for the potential hazards that come with the storm.
