Rainfall forecasted for this weekend could present new dangers for areas already left devastated by recent wildfires across the Los Angeles region.
With rain expected to arrive by Sunday, the California Office of Emergency Services is warning of increased risks of flooding, debris flows and mudslides in the more than 50,000 acres of land that were torched by fires.
“Wildfire survivors should learn to recognize the signs of coming flood events: soil that is crunchy to walk on; increased slope erosion; or even unusual sounds from the surrounding terrain — mudslides and debris flows can be loud,” CAL OES officials advised.
When wildfires burn through an area, it’s not just structures and ground vegetation that are affected.
Fire can cause soil to develop a water-repellent layer that prevents absorption and increases runoff, officials said. When combined with the loss of vegetation that would normally stabilize the ground, conditions become ripe for flooding and those flood conditions can remain for years, long after the fire has been extinguished.
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A firefighter walks past vehicles submerged by a mudslide Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, in the Beverly Crest area of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) -
An SUV sits buried by a mudslide, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, in the Beverly Crest area of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) -
Submerged vehicles are photographed after a mudslide, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, in the Beverly Crest area of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) -
A first responder stands atop a hill in the aftermath of a mudslide, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, in the Beverly Crest area of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) -
In January 2018, mud and debris clog up the 101 Freeway at the Olive Mill Road overpass in Montecito, after an onslaught of deadly mudslides. (Credit: Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) -
On the morning of Dec. 6, 2018, a car is seen stuck in packed up mud along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu after heavy rains hit the Southland and caused mudslides. (Credit: Al Seib/ Los Angeles Times)
For residents who live downhill from burn scars, debris flows and mudslides, fast-moving mixtures of water, soil, rocks and other debris, become a major concern and pose serious risks to public safety.
CAL OES is urging affected residents to prepare by taking precautions against flooding, such as elevating valuables off the ground and having an emergency “go-bag” and evacuation plans in the event you need to leave your home.
Californians are also encouraged to consider purchasing flood insurance which most home insurance policies don’t typically cover, although it takes 30 days before coverage takes effect.
For more information about flood insurance, visit fema.gov/flood-insurance or call 877-336-2627.
