Skip to main content

Rain Impacts and Preparation

 
Low pressure system will bring significant rain to the area along with thunderstorm chances and gusty winds. The threat for debris flows in and below recent burn scars has increased since Sunday, with a high risk for shallow debris flows, and a low to moderate risk of significant/damaging debris flows and flash flooding. There is a high risk for mud and rock slides, and urban roadway flooding. The coasts and valleys should see rainfall totals of 0.75-1.50 inches, and foothills and mountains of 2-4 inches.
As of ~7 PM, October 13, the National Weather Service-Los Angeles holds these near-term projections, as they apply to LA City and nearby County areas:

"A rare-for-October storm system will bring widespread rain tonight through Tuesday, with a threat for pockets of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Significant risks exist for debris flows, road flooding, and isolated wind damage. Temperatures will remain well below normal through Wednesday, with steady warming to follow through the weekend."

 
Update: Chances for Significant/Damaging Debris Flows in & below recent burn scars have increased, esp for the Eaton, Palisades & Bridge scars. If you live in/near a recent burn scar, follow guidance from law enforcement, limit travel to avoid flooding, debris flows & mud flows.
 

For timely updates, see: National Weather Service-Los Angeles

(Image of a cellphone in front of a City skyline): Text = THE POWER OF CITY SERVICES IS IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND - mla311.lacity.org; Download the MyLA311 appy

 

Report Storm Impacts

Angelenos should contact 9-1-1 for possible life-threatening storm-related emergencies. Call 3-1-1 for other impacts, such as mudslides and street flooding or fallen trees. 

SAVE TIME and access most LA City services online, OR download the cellphone app for MyLA311

 
Photo of a lightning strike. Logo of National Weather Service. TEXT: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! Stop all activities. Seek shelter in a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle. Wait 30 minutes after the storm to resume activities. Weather.gov/Lightning
 

Storm Safety and Sandbagging

LA City Fire urges storm safety and preparedness in advance of rainstorms, especially for those living near recent wildfire burn areas. 
Find City fire station locations with sand/sandbags available at the LAFD sandbag page as well as information on sandbag use.   
Flood After a Fire: Fact Sheet

Rain can present a threat to lives and property, particularly in recent burn areas. This fact sheet explains the increased risk of flood after fire and how owners  can protect their investments.

FloodSmart.gov
Guide for Flood, Debris & Erosion Control

Download a guide for homeowners that provides information on protecting property from potentially expensive flooding and related damages. 

DPW.LACounty.gov
LA City Storm Hazards

Storm hazards can develop quickly after even brief heavy rains. This can cause temporary overflows of water in normally dry areas and even lead to debris flow or landslides.

Climate4LA.org
Proper Sandbagging Techniques

The City of Los Angeles is providing free sandbags that can be used to secure properties and mitigate risk of landslides. Watch a video tutorial on the proper use of sandbags.

Youtube.com/CalWater
Infographic with 'Flood After Fire' in yellow text, showing the negative effects of rainfall after an intense wildfire.