LOS ANGELES – Much-needed rain has arrived in Southern California and is helping with the ongoing wildfire fight across the Los Angeles area. However, the return of the rain has triggered Flash Flood Warnings, mudslides and debris flows in burn-scar areas, forcing officials to close roads and schools in the region.
“People are so happy to see the rain, but the amount of rain that we’re picking up, it does bring the risk for mudslides and landslides, especially considering that we have fresh burn scars,” FOX Weather Meteorologist Britta Merwin said.
The precipitation arrived in Southern California on Sunday, and while no blockbuster rainfall totals have been reported, it’s enough to cause numerous issues across the region.
The Los Angeles Fire Department said it responded to reports of a debris flow in Woodland Hills, trapping several vehicles in the mud and other debris that rushed down the hillside.
Videos showed first responders working to remove the stuck vehicles, as well as firefighters who were seen trying to dig out a Los Angeles Fire Department truck that also became stuck.
Flood Advisories remain in effect across a large portion of the region, including for portions of the Palisades and Eaton Fire burn scars.
Moderate rain has been reported by the National Weather Service office in Los Angeles, and forecasters said areas expected to experience flooding included Malibu, Chatsworth, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas.
A video shared from Studio City showed the rain arriving on Sunday, and that precipitation has been beneficial for the short-term wildfire fight that has been ongoing since the historic and deadly wildfires broke out at the start of January.
Because of the conditions, officials made the decision to close all four Malibu schools to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Officials with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District said they would continue to monitor conditions and would provide updates as needed.
Beaches have also been dangerous as the storm system continues to impact the region, with forecasters issuing a Beach Hazards Statement early Monday morning warning of potential lightning strikes on beaches in San Diego County between Camp Pendleton and Del Mar.
That warning has since been allowed to expire.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has also advised beachgoers to avoid all contact with water, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers due to potentially higher bacteria levels in those areas.
