After more than two weeks of wildfires, Southern California is finally receiving some much-needed rain as crews continue to battle the Palisade, Eaton, and most recently Hughes fires.
Wet weather is expected to begin Saturday afternoon and continue into Monday. Sunday is expected to bring the heaviest rainfall in three days.
Much of the Los Angeles area should expect 0.5 to 1 inch of rain and 1 to 2.5 inches surrounding the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley, according to NBCLA meteorologist Belen de Leon. Rainfall rates are on the light side, with peak velocities typically between 0.1 and 0.25 inches per hour.
Rain chances may exceed 0.5 inches per hour, but this is unlikely to cause debris flows and is low.
A flood watch has been issued for Burns Scar near Malibu and the L.A. County coast from Sunday afternoon until Monday afternoon.
The forecast is now a constant compounding list of scourges for homeowners in or near recent fire zones.
Charred hillsides stripped of vegetation do not absorb water well, creating the potential for flash floods and landslides that can collect debris and wipe structures in their path. The extent of mudflow depends on the intensity of the rainfall, the duration of the storm, and the amount of vegetation remaining to hold everything in place.
The city of Los Angeles issued an emergency order Tuesday morning in anticipation of possible rain in neighborhoods damaged by wildfires. Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a similar order Monday.
Los Angeles city leaders advise that residents should prepare their homes and remain vigilant for possible evacuation orders if new fires or severe landslides begin.
Rain also brings cold weather.
“Highs will drop significantly with temperatures in the 50s and 60s, along with temperatures below normal 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit,” De Leon said. “As storms move out early next week, expect temperatures to drop rapidly, which could lead to frost and freezing conditions, especially in areas with packed winds.”
Snowfall is expected across the San Gabriel Mountains above 4,000 feet. Winter travel warnings have been posted in areas warning drivers of poor conditions.
“The mountain conditions will be very slick and visibility will be low due to the snow and strong winds,” de Leon said.
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