Heavy rains forecast for Southern California pose a dual threat: aiding firefighters battling ongoing wildfires and potentially triggering mudslides in burned areas. Officials are preparing for the worst-case scenario, with flood watches issued and crews working to mitigate the risk of debris flows. Toxic ash runoff is also a concern, prompting warnings for residents to wear protective gear during cleanup efforts.
Workers secure a net to prevent mudslides over the burned side of a mansion in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Calif. on Jan. 24.Rain on the way to parched Southern California on Saturday will aid firefighters mopping up multiple wildfires. But heavy downpours on charred hillsides could bring the threat of new troubles like toxic ash runoff.
“So the problem would be if one of those showers happens to park itself over a burn area,” weather service meteorologist Carol Smith said Saturday. “That could be enough to create debris flows.” Fire crews filled sandbags for communities while county workers installed barriers and cleared drainage pipes and basins.
While the impending wet weather ended weeks of dangerous gusts and reduced humidity, several wildfires were still burning Saturday across Southern California. Those included the Palisades and Eaton fires, which killed at least 28 people and destroyed more than 14,000 structures. Containment of the Palisades Fire reached 81%, and the Eaton Fire was at 95% containment.
WILDFIRES MUDSLIDES RUTNOFF CALIFORNIA WEATHER
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