As a major storm approaches Southern California prompting concerns of possible mud slides and debris flows, the city and county of Los Angeles issued evacuation warnings in effect Tuesday for residents who live near wildfire burn zones.
The city of LA issued warnings for 11 a.m. Tuesday through 11 p.m. Thursday for residents of Pacific Palisades and Mandeville Canyon near the Palisades Fire burn scar, and south of Runyon Canyon near the Sunset Fire zone.
“The Los Angeles Police Department will go door-to-door to visit each high-risk home with evacuation orders,” according to the LAFD.
County officials issued evacuation warnings starting at 11 a.m. Tuesday for residents near the Palisades, Eaton, Agua Dulce, Lidia, Franklin, Bridge, Canyon, Owen, Hurst and Kenneth fires.
Officials said residents who need extra time to evacuate or have livestock to relocate to a safer area immediately.
Rainfall is expected to start start Tuesday night, peaking on Wednesday, then continuing through Christmas Day and possibly into the weekend.
“Tuesday through Saturday looks to be an extended period of significant rainfall,” the National Weather Service reported. “By Saturday evening, rainfall totals will range from 4-8 inches across coastal and valley areas to 8-12+ inches across the foothills and mountains. Please take the necessary protective actions as flooding and debris flow will be a major issue this upcoming week.”
Rain falling at a half-inch per hour is sufficient to trigger mud flows, according to the NWS.
