At a Glance
- Evacuation warnings lifted after heavy rain.
- Mudslide risk remains high in recently burned hills.
- Flood watches continue into Thursday evening.
- Why it matters: Residents in Southern California should stay alert for hazards even after warnings are lifted.
Heavy rains that began Wednesday night have eased enough to lift evacuation warnings across several Southern California fire burn scars, but officials warn that the region remains vulnerable to mudslides and debris flows.
Evacuation Warnings Lifted
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) announced at about 3 p.m. Thursday that evacuation warnings for the Palisades and Sunset fire areas were lifted. The warnings had been issued Wednesday night amid concerns of mud and debris flows from steady overnight rainfall.
Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) stated:
> The main part of the storm has passed, but stay alert for potential hazards near you.
Risk of Mudslides and Debris Flows
Recently burned hillsides are especially susceptible to mudslides because the fires stripped vegetation that helped hold soil. High rainfall rates can trigger runoff that picks up loose soil, rocks, and debris.
- Palisades
- Eaton
- Agua Dulce
- Franklin
- Bridge
- Kenneth
- Canyon
| Area | Warning Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Palisades | Lifted | 3 p.m. Thursday |
| Eaton | Active | Still under warning |
| Agua Dulce | Active | Still under warning |
| Franklin | Active | Still under warning |
| Bridge | Active | Still under warning |
| Kenneth | Active | Still under warning |
| Canyon | Active | Still under warning |
The region has already been saturated from a Christmas-week storm that soaked the area for several days, and the new system is expected to add several more inches of rain.
Key Takeaways
- Evacuation warnings for Palisades and Sunset were lifted at 3 p.m. Thursday.
- Mudslide risk remains high in recently burned hillsides.
- Flood watches are in effect into Thursday evening.
Stay alert for potential hazards as Southern California continues to receive heavy rainfall.
