Arcadia Residents Brace for Predicted Storm

Arcadiaresidents living in the vicinity of the Bobcat Fire burn scar are preparing fora potentially damaging storm, with the possibility of thunderstorms, expectedThursday and into Friday.

The NationalWeather Service has issued a FlashFlood Watch forthe Bobcat Fire burn scar from Thursday at 4 p.m. to Friday at 4 a.m. There isno predicted impact to homes in the City of Arcadia. The storm may causemud and debris flows in Arcadia Wilderness Park and the debris basins next tothe park.

“Rain ratesup to or locally exceeding 0.75 inches per hour are possible,” NWS said.“Significant mud and debris flows are possible near the Lake, Bobcat, Dam, andRanch 2 burn scars and could affect vulnerable roads and structures.”

The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management will be on alert Thursday night due to the approaching rainstorm that may cause some debris or mud flows in communities that have recently had a wildfire burn nearby.

“Weather experts are telling L.A. County residents to get ready for some heavy rain, and communities located near burn scarred terrain may experience flash floods and mud or debris flows,” stated Kevin McGowan, director of the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management. “Our emergency response officials are world-class and will stand ready to defend lives, property and infrastructure if there are emergencies caused by this storm. But, we need collaboration from the public. It is critical for residents to be aware and prepared so that they can help keep themselves safe.”

The county offered the following safety tips to help residents prepare themselves, their families and homes for rain storms and mud or debris flows:

• Plan Ahead: Develop an emergency plan and know your property’s risk factors for flooding. Place sandbags on your property as needed before rainstorms. Keep your mobile phone and other devices charged with the ringer on so you can receive and hear emergency alerts throughout the night. Have working flashlights for all family members ready and within reach.
• Be Evacuation Ready: If mud or debris flow threaten your community, authorities will issue evacuation orders. Prepare your family, pets and home ahead of time for the possibility of having to evacuate. Have a go kit ready with prescriptions and important documents. Park your vehicle facing the street so that you do not have to back out and in the driveway in order to avoid being stuck behind an electricity-operated garage door.
• Stay Informed: Sign up for emergency notification systems available in your community. Identify which system is used by your local law enforcement agency for your neighborhood. Watch local newscasts and have a battery-operated radio handy so that you can access news if the power goes out. Follow verified social media accounts for local government, public safety agencies, and local news using the hashtag #LARain.

Sandbags for Arcadia residents are available at Fire Station 107 located at 79 W. Orange Grove Ave. There is a limit of 20 bags per resident.
For more information on how to protect your home during this weather event, visit ready.lacounty.gov/mudslides.

For more preparedness tips, visit ready.lacounty.gov, follow @ReadyLACounty or dial 2-1-1 to request resources and information.  To report storm-related damage or flooding, call LA County Public Works 24-hour Dispatch Center at (800) 675-HELP (4357).

More from Arcadia Weekly