News Summary

Los Angeles County has been placed under a flash flood warning due to impending heavy rainfall. The National Weather Service advises residents to prepare for possible flooding, debris flows, and mudslides. Residents in flood-prone areas should seek higher ground and follow evacuation orders. Safety precautions, including avoiding flooded roads and staying updated on conditions, are essential as flood dangers can escalate rapidly.

Los Angeles

A flash flood warning has been issued for Los Angeles County as heavy rainfall is anticipated, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) to issue a flood advisory effective from Saturday at 5:12 PM until 8 PM. The advisory warns residents of the potential for excessive rainfall leading to localized flooding, minor debris flows, and possible mudslides and rockslides in certain areas.

Residents are urged to exercise caution during this weather event. Those in flood-prone areas are advised to take immediate steps to ensure their safety, including seeking higher ground and following local evacuation orders. Flooded roads should be avoided, with a clear warning to “turn around, don’t drown” when encountering any flooded streets, as most flood-related fatalities occur within vehicles.

Additionally, the NWS has highlighted the dangers posed by low water crossings in hilly terrains, which can become hazardous very quickly during heavy rainfall. Drivers and residents alike are encouraged to avoid crossing flooded roads and should remain vigilant of changing conditions, as flash floods can develop unexpectedly.

Safety Guidelines and Recommendations

The NWS provides several critical safety tips to ensure public safety during this period of heavy rain. Residents should:

• Maintain safe driving distances and reduce speed while driving.
• Avoid driving near drainage ditches and culverts.
• Disconnect utilities and appliances if time allows before evacuating.
• Stay away from any water that may be electrically charged, particularly floodwaters.
• Refrain from entering basements or rooms with submerged electrical outlets or cords.
• Seek the highest point possible if trapped by moving water and contact emergency services by dialing 911.

Preparedness Measures

Residents are encouraged to prepare for potential flooding by obtaining sandbags, which are typically available at county fire departments or local hardware stores. It is essential to stay updated by consulting local emergency services or CalTrans for any changes regarding the flooding situation.

Background on Flash Flooding

A flash flood warning signifies that intense flooding may occur suddenly, potentially within minutes to hours, even in regions currently not experiencing rainfall. In contrast, flood watches and advisories indicate that conditions may lead to flooding, though not severe enough to necessitate a warning at that time.

As flooding conditions can change rapidly, it is vital for residents to remain informed of their surroundings and heed advice from the NWS. Taking proactive measures to ensure personal safety, as well as that of families and neighbors, can significantly reduce risks associated with flooding.

In summary, with the heavy rains approaching, all residents of Los Angeles County are urged to remain vigilant, prepare accordingly, and prioritize safety above all else.

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Additional Resources

• Daily Breeze: Los Angeles County Flood Advisory
• Wikipedia: Flash Flood
• SGV Tribune: Flash Flood Warning LA County
• Google Search: Los Angeles flood warnings
• NBC Los Angeles: Flash Flood Warning
• Google Scholar: Flash Flooding Safety
• Daily News: Flood Watch LA County
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood

Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER

LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana