LOS ANGELES, CA – As communities across Los Angeles County begin to assess the devastation left by the Eaton and Palisades fires, a new threat is emerging. Officials are warning that recent burn areas in Altadena and Malibu are now at high risk for mudslides and flooding, with rain expected to continue through Monday.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issued a public advisory cautioning residents in fire-affected areas to prepare for possible debris flows. “Due to the recent wildfires and resulting burn scars, the cities of Altadena and Malibu are at high risk for mud and rockslides,” the department stated. “Heavy rainfall, which is forecasted for the area, may exacerbate these conditions, leading to potentially life-threatening situations.”
Fire-damaged landscapes are particularly vulnerable to mudslides, as the burned soil repels water instead of absorbing it. Without vegetation to stabilize the slopes, even moderate rainfall can trigger fast-moving debris flows capable of destroying homes and infrastructure.
By early Sunday morning, crews in Pacific Palisades were working to mitigate the risks, clearing storm drains and placing sandbags and protective tarps on hillsides. “That combination of scorched hillsides and rain is proving to be a dangerous mix with the ground here already charred and disintegrated,” local reporter Omar Lewis said.
The National Weather Service reported that rainfall began across Los Angeles County late Saturday night, with coastal and mountain areas receiving between one and two-tenths of an inch of rain by early Sunday morning. More rain is expected throughout the day, with forecasters warning that the worst could come late Sunday into Monday.
Joan Herman, a Pacific Palisades resident whose home survived the wildfire, expressed concerns about the potential for further destruction. “Our house survived, but now we’re worried about the rain,” she said. “It’s a really hard time.”
A flood watch remains in effect until Monday afternoon. Authorities are urging residents to take precautions, including placing sandbags around properties to prevent flooding and preparing for potential evacuation orders.
Officials have also announced road closures in areas most susceptible to slides. A list of current closures across Los Angeles County can be found here.
As the region braces for the next phase of extreme weather, officials stress that those in high-risk areas should remain alert and follow all emergency instructions to ensure their safety.
