LOS ANGELES — California experienced an unusual October storm on Tuesday, bringing significant rainfall, strong winds, and a risk of mudslides to wildfire-affected areas near Los Angeles. Some residents were asked to evacuate their homes.
Heavy rains began early in the morning, leading to reports of hydroplaning drivers and accidents on flooded streets.
Flash flood warnings were issued for certain parts of Santa Barbara County, where the sheriff’s office recommended shelter-in-place orders for areas previously affected by wildfires and debris flows last year.
By Tuesday morning, rainfall amounts varied from less than half an inch in Los Angeles County to about 1.5 inches in San Luis Obispo County, according to weather reports.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her worries regarding the weather during a news conference on Monday night. She mentioned that strike teams, rescue crews, and helicopters were prepared to respond if necessary.
Approximately 115 homes were evacuated, mainly in the Pacific Palisades and Mandeville Canyon areas, which had been devastated by wildfires in January that resulted in over 30 fatalities and the destruction of more than 17,000 structures. Wildfires leave hillsides vulnerable during storms since there’s less vegetation to stabilize the soil.
Bass and other officials advised residents to stay alert and indoors.
The worst of the storm was expected in the late morning and into the afternoon.
More than 16,000 customers in southern and central California experienced power outages, as reported by a local power monitoring organization.
The National Weather Service indicated the storm could bring up to 4 inches of rain to some areas, describing it as a “rare and very strong storm system.”
Ariel Cohen, a meteorologist, noted that the storm’s unpredictable nature was a challenge, mentioning the possibility of tornadoes.
“Given the nature of this system, we can’t pinpoint the exact timing and location of effects until they happen,” he said.
Storm Preparations and Traffic Closures Announced
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced that Los Angeles Fire Department teams began patrolling Monday night. Additionally, a section of State Route 27, starting from Pacific Coast Highway, was closed in anticipation of the storm.
Authorities also warned of high winds that might topple trees and power lines.
In the northern regions, up to 3 feet of mountain snow was forecasted for parts of the Sierra Nevada.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area reported snowfall on Tuesday morning.
Heavy rain settled over Northern California starting Monday night, causing urban flooding in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Gladstone’s Restaurant on Pacific Coast Highway decided to close Tuesday due to the predicted heavy rain, especially since it’s located in an area that has seen severe debris flows from past rains.
In February, torrential rains led to debris flows and landslides in certain areas still recovering from the January fires.
In the Sierra Madre community near the Eaton Fire site, rushing water, debris, and rocks trapped cars in mud and damaged homes.
Parts of the Pacific Coast Highway were submerged under at least three feet of muddy water, and a rapid debris flow moved a Los Angeles Fire Department vehicle into the ocean.
Concerns about post-fire debris flows have heightened since the 2018 tragedy in Montecito, where heavy rains led to devastating landslides, resulting in significant property damage and 23 fatalities.
Other Severe Weather Conditions Across the U.S.
In other parts of the country, Typhoon Halon caused hurricane-strength winds and severe flooding in Alaska over the weekend. Tragically, one person died, and two others went missing, while over 50 individuals were rescued, some from rooftops.
Officials emphasized the long recovery process ahead for the most affected communities as winter approaches.
Meanwhile, heavy rain in Tempe, Arizona, was reported to result from microbursts and thunderstorms, dropping about half an inch within just 10 minutes.
The storm caused considerable damage in Tempe, with trees falling on vehicles, buildings, and sidewalks. Several commercial buildings sustained roof damage and thousands faced power outages.
