An approaching storm that could cause thunderstorms and heavy rains in Southern California led authorities to issue evacuation warnings and close parts of the Pacific Coast Expressway passing through the Palisade burn area on Wednesday.
“The City of Los Angeles has issued evacuation warnings for several areas due to predicted heavy rain that could cause landslides and debris flows from March 12-13,” the Los Angeles Fire Department said.
Orders will take effect at 7am on Wednesday and will continue until 6pm on Thursday, affecting areas within the Palisade, Sunset and Hearst burn areas.
Palisades Fire Area:
Highlands Bien Beneda Temescal Canyon Park Rivas Canyon/Wil Rogers State Park Area Mandyville Canyon Tanners Road Old Ranch Road and Las Tank Reek
Sunset Fire Area:
East and South of Runyon Canyon
Hearst Fire Area:
Olive Rain at Oak Ridge Mobile Home Park
Residents in the “high-risk” warning area will be visited by Los Angeles police officers on Wednesday and issue specific evacuation orders, the fire department said. “If you’re not at home, they’ll leave you with flyers with important evacuation information.”
The warning comes as the National Weather Service says it is possible from Wednesday to Thursday to Thursday, and sometimes it could result in nearly an inch of rain per hour.
Caltrans has also decided to close parts of the Pacific Coast Highway, particularly susceptible to landslides and debris flow.
Map of Pacific Coastal Highway closures. (Caltrans District 7)
“The PCH will be completely closed between Chautauqua Boulevard and Carbon Beach Terrace starting at noon on Wednesday. Only emergency vehicles are accessible,” Caltrans District 7 said on X.
The heavy rains were in February when rivers of mud and rock flowed across the highway, causing Los Angeles firefighters and his SUV to be washed over the Pacific Ocean.
Video filmed on the day of the crash showed an unidentified firefighter/inspector returned to safety and climbed the fence, and a surprised colleague came over to check on him.
Public Works crews are preparing for the upcoming storm by cleaning up debris basins and flood channels. K-rails and punching bags are also located strategically located for several weeks.
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