California’s ongoing wildfires may soon be extinguished by a weekend storm, which, while offering relief, introduces the threat of flash floods. Flood watch warnings have been issued for parts of Los Angeles impacted by recent wildfires, which began earlier this month amid strong winds after a record seven months without rain, NBC News reported on Saturday.
The 24-hour flood watch, set to begin at 4 p.m. Sunday, includes regions affected by the Palisades Fire, which has burned 23,448 acres and is 79% contained, and the Eaton Fire, which has burned 14,021 acres and is 95% contained.
The National Weather Service has issued these alerts due to concerns over mudslides, with a 10-20% chance of significant flooding and debris flow. Although major damage is not guaranteed, the service urges preparation for the worst-case scenario.
Other areas of concern include the burn scars from the Bridge Fire in the Angeles National Forest and the Hughes Fire near Los Angeles. Los Angeles County, including cities like Pasadena and Baldwin Park, is distributing sandbags to residents in anticipation of mudflows.
Rain is expected to begin in Los Angeles County by Saturday afternoon, intensifying on Sunday with moderate to heavy rainfall and the possibility of small hail or graupel. Forecasters anticipate up to a quarter-inch of rain in urban Los Angeles and up to one inch in San Diego, with Sunday bringing heavier rainfall.
Winter storm warnings are in place for the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains, where communities like Wrightwood and Big Bear Lake could receive up to 18 inches of snow above 6,000 feet, with up to 6 inches at lower elevations, from Saturday afternoon to Monday afternoon.
