Preparing for the “worst case scenario”

Flooding
The twist: Los Angeles prepares for flooding

Wayne Seretis

Published 2025-01-26 23.20

Los Angeles has been plagued by severe fires. Photo: Jae C. Hong / AP

For almost three weeks, Los Angeles has been plagued by firestorms.

Now the city is preparing for heavy rains and flooding.

– Due to the wildfires, there is a high risk of mudslides and rock slides in Los Angeles, the LA County sheriff's office announced.

Large parts of Los Angeles have been devastated by the enormous wildfires that started on January 7. Strong winds turned the fires into firestorms that spread at record speed through the city's exclusive residential areas.

Prayers for rain went unanswered for a long time, until now.

With the fires almost completely extinguished, the US National Weather Service is warning of rainstorms on Sunday.

The institute is also warning that there is up to a 20 percent chance of flash floods and flooding.

– The threat is great enough to prepare for the worst-case scenario, writes NWS on X.

Destruction in residential areas in Los Angeles. Photo: Carolyn Kaster / AP

“Life-threatening”

Due to the fires, much vegetation that absorbs precipitation has been consumed by the fire. In an “urgent” message on X, the LA County sheriff’s office writes.

– Due to the forest fires, and the subsequent fire damage, there is a high risk of mudslides and rockslides in Los Angeles. Heavy rainfall in the area could exacerbate these conditions and lead to potentially life-threatening situations, the agency writes.

The message continues:

– If you live in or near a fire-damaged area, please be aware of the following risks: Mudslides and rock slides can occur with little or no warning. Storm surges can occur quickly, sweeping away people, vehicles and buildings. Debris flows can carry large rocks, trees and other material that can cause catastrophic damage.

Flooding in Northern California in February 2024. Photo: Damian Dovarganes / AP

As of 4 a.m.

According to the LA Times, the worst fire in Pacific Palisades is 84 percent contained. Of the remaining fires, less than ten percent remain.

Rain will reach Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon local time and will increase in intensity throughout the evening.

Flash flood and local flooding warnings are in effect from 4 p.m. local time in Los Angeles.