Hey Los Angeles and Ventura, it’s time to pay attention to the skies. A powerful storm is heading our way, and things could get messy fast. The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch starting Thursday afternoon through late Thursday night, and if you’ve seen how quickly our streets flood, you know this is no joke. Let’s break down what’s coming and how to stay safe.
What’s Going On?
An atmospheric river (basically a giant moisture-filled hose in the sky) is aiming right at us, bringing heavy rain, flash flood risks, and possible mudslides. Expect rainfall rates between 0.5 to 1 inch per hour—that’s enough to turn streets into streams and cause fast water buildup in low-lying areas.
When Will It Hit?
- The storm will roll in Thursday afternoon, with the heaviest rain expected during the evening.
- Burn scar zones, like Eaton, Palisades/Franklin, and Bridge, are the biggest concern, where fast-moving debris flows could happen with little warning.
What Could Happen?
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Flooded Roads and Slippery Streets:
Don’t be surprised if intersections and underpasses flood, making driving pretty dangerous. Roads with poor drainage could get overwhelmed fast. -
Debris Flows and Mudslides:
If you’re near a hillside that burned in the past few years, be extra careful. Burn scars act like a slide for water, mud, and rocks—once it starts flowing downhill, it’s hard to stop. -
Slow, Hazardous Driving Conditions:
Between the rain, reduced visibility, and possible flooding, traffic could turn into a nightmare. Give yourself extra time or avoid driving during the peak of the storm if you can.
How to Stay Safe
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Stay in the Loop:
Keep checking your weather app or local news, and don’t ignore emergency alerts. They could save your life. -
Turn Around, Don’t Drown:
It might look like just a little water on the road, but even a few inches can stall your car—or worse. Don’t risk it. Find another way. -
Prep Your Space:
Make sure your gutters and drains are clear, and if you’re in a flood-prone spot, set up some sandbags around doorways or garages to block water. -
Have an Emergency Kit Ready:
Power outages or evacuations are possible. Have water, snacks, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents packed and ready to go just in case.
Why This Storm Is Different
We’ve already had a lot of rain lately, and the ground is soaked. That’s what makes this storm extra risky. When the soil can’t absorb any more water, it just runs off, causing flash floods and mudslides. If you live near a burn scar, you’re especially at risk for debris flows—so be ready to act fast if an evacuation order comes through.
We don’t get storms like this often, but when we do, they can escalate quickly. Be smart—don’t take risks, check in on your neighbors, and stay indoors if you can. The rain will pass, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
