Residents in parts of Los Angeles are being urged to prepare for possible evacuations as heavy rain continues to drench the region, increasing the risk of dangerous mudslides and debris flows. Officials have issued evacuation warnings for areas hit hard by past wildfires, where charred hillsides have left the ground unstable and prone to sudden collapse.
Which Areas Are at Risk?
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has issued evacuation warnings for neighborhoods where steep terrain and burn scars from recent wildfires create a high potential for landslides. The most at-risk areas include:
- Palisades Fire Area: This includes communities near the Getty Villa, Highlands, and Mandeville Canyon.
- Sunset Fire Area: Residents living east and south of Runyon Canyon should stay alert.
- Hurst Fire Area: Those in Olive Lane within the Oakridge Mobile Home Park are advised to be prepared.
While these are precautionary warnings for now, officials warn that conditions can change quickly. Police and emergency responders are already notifying at-risk residents, encouraging them to have a plan in place in case the warnings escalate to mandatory evacuation orders.
Mudslides Already Causing Problems
The warnings aren’t just based on predictions—Los Angeles is already experiencing the effects of the heavy rainfall. In Malibu, a vehicle was swept into the ocean by a fast-moving mudslide. Meanwhile, Pacific Palisades roads are covered in mud and debris, making travel dangerous in some areas.
What Should Residents Do?
Authorities urge residents in the affected areas to take these warnings seriously and stay prepared:
- Keep Up: Keep up with official LAFD updates and local weather reports.
- Get an emergency kit ready: Keep necessary supplies on hand, such as flashlights, food, water, prescription drugs, and critical documents.
- Observe evacuation directives Instantly: If authorities declare an evacuation to be mandatory, depart right away. Things can quickly get worse.
- Avoid Dangerous Areas: Even if there aren’t any active slides, stay away from slopes, canyon roads, and burn scars.
More Rain on the Way
Forecasters warn that the rain isn’t over yet, and flash flooding, debris flows, and road closures remain a possibility. As conditions evolve, residents are advised to stay alert, follow local emergency updates, and be ready to move if necessary.
Los Angeles is no stranger to extreme weather, but this storm’s aftermath could be particularly dangerous for those in vulnerable areas. Stay safe, stay informed, and take action before it’s too late.