After weeks of dry, windy weather, Los Angeles is finally getting some rain. But it’s not all good news. While the showers will bring much-needed relief to the parched landscape, there’s a catch: heavy rainfall could lead to flash floods and dangerous mudslides, especially in areas recently hit by wildfires.
The Santa Ana winds, which fueled massive fires across Southern California, calmed down on Friday. Now, a cold storm is moving in, bringing light to moderate rain from Saturday night through Monday. This is great for firefighters and the dry environment, but meteorologists are warning that bursts of intense rain could spell trouble.
Areas around Los Angeles County that faced recent wildfires—like Hughes, Bridge, Franklin, Palisades, and Eaton fire zones—are at particular risk. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch from 4 p.m. Sunday to noon Monday, when thunderstorms are most likely.
Experts say there’s a 20% chance that debris flows could damage roads and buildings. “Flooding is the worst-case scenario here,” one meteorologist noted. Residents in vulnerable areas are being urged to stay prepared—stock up on supplies, use sandbags to protect property, and avoid traveling during the watch period.
While the rain is a welcome change, the potential for sudden flooding and mudslides serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictability. Stay safe, Los Angeles!