Los Angeles County authorities called on residents to prepare for heavy rains expected from tonight through Saturday, urging them to remain alert for flood and evacuation warnings, especially in areas affected by the January wildfires.

“A strong storm is expected in Los Angeles County starting today. It is important to be well-informed in case of any emergency,” said Supervisor Hilda Solis, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

And asked to stay informed through the website ready.lacounty.gov/rain and on social media at ReadyLACounty.

Emergency Resources Activated

Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna said the threat will last for more than a week.

“Please stay away from flood control zones if you are part of our homeless community. LAHSA (Los Angeles Homeless Authority) and other Los Angeles County homeless organizations are offering services and motel vouchers for our homeless residents.”

He added that “key emergency resources have been activated, including search and rescue teams and the Air Rescue 5 helicopter, which is equipped to deploy swift-water rescue capabilities if needed.”

He said they hope it won't be necessary, but they are prepared.

“Unfortunately, we have seen too many incidents where the force of the water is underestimated, putting people in extreme danger and life-threatening situations.”

He indicated that their incident management teams are also on alert and available to respond to any critical incidents that arise during this storm or any other situation that may occur.

“The department's operations centers, in conjunction with the County Emergency Operations Center, will be activated starting tonight at 6 p.m. for the duration of the storm. We urge residents, especially those in evacuation zones,"Take these orders and warnings seriously and begin preparing now." Sheriff Luna urged Angelenos to identify important items such as medications, important documents, and other essentials in case they need to evacuate quickly. "If a loved one lives in these evacuation zones and has a disability or is elderly, be sure to contact them, coordinate a plan for their evacuation, and provide assistance if they need to leave immediately." He added that debris from the fire and storm-affected areas could clog roads, and it could be difficult to leave once the storm begins. "It could also be difficult for emergency services to access the roads, and any attempt to do so would put our first responders in unnecessary danger." Other recommendations from the sheriff include: avoid flooded roads; stay away from drainage canals; and don't wait for conditions to become dangerous to take action.

“Being prepared is critical. It could save your life. We encourage residents to visit lacounty.gov/emergency for tips and information on how to prepare. You can also sign up for emergency alerts at alertla.org.”

Heavy Rain in a Short Time

Mark Pestrella, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works and chief engineer for the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, said we are facing a warm winter storm.

“Some people are calling it the “Pineapple Express.” It can also be described as an atmospheric river-driven event that will produce a lot of rain in a short period of time, with intensities that concern us because of the risks involved.”

He said rainfall accumulations of four to eight inches are expected in the valley and coastal areas, and six to twelve inches in the foothill mountain areas.

“We haven’t had an atmospheric river event like this in quite some time, probably in more than four or five years.”

He noted that there will be a lot of water in the Santa Monica Mountains area, along Malibu and the Pacific Coast Highway, which will create additional challenges for residents and emergency services.”

He said strong winds of 50 to 60 miles per hour are also forecast.

“The heaviest rain is expected tonight and into tomorrow morning; and again on Christmas Day.”

He specified that the Department of Public Works will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will have a team of more than 300 people on site.24 hours a day to ensure their protection.

“Our greatest concern is the areas affected by the recent fires. Hazards include potential flash floods, river flooding, mudflows, landslides, and fallen trees.”

He indicated that all landslides, mudflows, and rockfalls are expected to occur in mountainous areas or at the wildland-urban interface.

“These places include the foothill communities, the unincorporated area of ??Altadena, Pasadena, La Canada Flintridge, Duarte, and the same situation exists in the Palisades fire zone, the city of Los Angeles, Malibu, and the unincorporated areas.”

But he is also concerned about the areas of Long Beach, Carson, and southeast Los Angeles, where he expects water to accumulate in the street system.

So – he said – along the Los Angeles River and adjacent streets, water currents are expected.

“What can they do? Avoid streets, rivers, lakes, and canals with running water, and because of the discharges, there will be water flowing in the Los Angeles River, as well as the San Gabriel River and other canals after this event. And those currents can reach up to 5.8 meters per second and sweep away a small car.”

So, if you are driving on the road and see water Whether stagnant or in motion, it is recommended that you do not cross it.

“Stop and take an alternate route. If you must travel, leave early, drive slowly, and avoid mountain roads and fire-affected areas. These are basic precautions.”

He emphasized that if they are advised to evacuate, they must comply with the sheriff's or police order.

“Sheltering in a home that won't flood is the safest place. So please take the necessary precautions so that on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve you will be in a shelter, whether it's your home, a hotel, or one of the county shelters, so you can be sure you will be safe from any potential harm.”

Floods and Mudslides

Anthony C. Marrone, Los Angeles County Fire Chief, explained that the predicted storm system is heading toward Southern California and will bring rain, flooding, and mudslides from today through Saturday, with the possibility of dangerous flows of Mud and debris in the eight areas affected by the fires.

“A flood watch has been issued from this afternoon until Wednesday night, and significant rainfall with the potential for flash flooding is expected.”

He urged residents to stay informed about the latest flood and flash flood weather watches, warnings, and advisories.