Rain was falling across Southern California on Sunday, bringing some relief to thousands of firefighters battling multiple major blazes for nearly a month in the Los Angeles area, but also prompting new threats of floods and mudslides across burn-scarred lands.
Rain brought much needed aid to the Los Angeles firefight, moving the fires surrounding the city closer to containment.
The National Weather Service said there is a 15-25% chance of thunderstorms across the region, which could bring periods of heavy rainfall that could overwhelm the burn-scar areas.
With parts of Los Angeles County still smoldering from wildfires, the expected rain this weekend would seem like a welcome relief. But how the rain falls could make the difference between a disaster respite or a disaster repeat.
The Los Angeles area is preparing for its first rain since wildfires first broke out weeks ago. But too much rain at once could bring its own set of significant issues.
If the rain falls at a steady, lighter rate, Southern California could be in good shape. That could mean enough rain to help ease the firefighting strain, but not enough to trigger another potential disaster. Heavier rain could mean the chance for flash flooding or mudslides over fresh burn scars.
On Sunday at 10:11 a.m. a special weather statement was issued by the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA in effect until 10:45 a.m. The alert is for Malibu Coast, Los Angeles, Palos Verdes Hills and Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area.
Rain on the way to parched Southern California on Saturday will aid firefighters mopping up multiple wildfires.
Rain fell on parts of Southern California on Sunday and the scattered showers were expected to continue overnight, boosting the risk of toxic ash runoff in areas scorched by Los Angeles-area wildfires.
Mauricio Arellano, superintendent of the San Bernardino City Unified School District, which co-sponsored the Wednesday, Jan. 22, event, told the crowd of about 50 that all children in the U.S. have a right to a free public education — regardless of immigration status.
The kids protected under Obama’s 2012 executive order have grown up, but they still can’t call their long-time home ‘home.’