News Summary
Los Angeles County is under a flash flood warning as heavy thunderstorms are expected to bring significant rainfall. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect themselves and their properties. The National Weather Service forecasts rainfall rates of 1 to 1.5 inches per hour, with certain areas at heightened risk of dangerous flash floods. Safety measures, such as avoiding flooded roads and moving to higher ground, are emphasized to prevent life-threatening situations. Community alerts and resources for sandbag distribution are available for residents during this critical weather event.
Los Angeles
A flash flood warning has been issued for Los Angeles County by the National Weather Service (NWS) effective Saturday at 5:34 p.m. The warning will remain in effect until 8 p.m. as Doppler radar indicates thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the region. Residents are encouraged to take immediate precautions to safeguard their safety and property.
The anticipated rainfall is substantial, with rates expected between 1 to 1.5 inches per hour. Additionally, rain accumulation of 0.5 to 1 inch is also likely in some areas. The NWS has reported that flash flooding is either ongoing or expected to begin shortly, significantly increasing the risk of dangerous situations.
Areas particularly at risk include Angeles Crest Highway between Mount Waterman and Big Pines, along with Mount Baldy. The warning further extends to far western portions of the Bridge Burn Scar, which are particularly vulnerable to sudden flooding. The NWS highlights the potential for life-threatening flash floods in various locations, including creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses.
Residents are reminded of the critical safety advice to “turn around, don’t drown” when approaching flooded roads, as most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles. Those living in hilly terrains, where numerous low water crossings exist, should exercise additional caution during these heavy rain events.
For outdoor enthusiasts, including campers and hikers, it is strongly advised to avoid streams or creeks during this severe weather. The NWS emphasizes that just 6 inches of swift water can sweep away a person, while 12 inches can carry away most vehicles.
For individuals seeking updates on road closures, information can be found on CalTrans’ website or mobile app, or by calling 800-427-7623. The public should also remain attentive to emergency alerts regarding substantial hazards, which will be sent to all enabled mobile phones in the vicinity. Community members are encouraged to sign up for county alert systems and keep an eye on local agencies’ social media for updates on lesser risks.
As a precautionary measure, sandbags can serve as a line of defense against potential flooding. Many fire departments offer a limited supply of free sandbags to residents with proof of residency. Information regarding locations for sandbag distribution in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties is available to the public.
Understanding the different flood terms is essential. A flash flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or in progress. Conversely, a flood warning indicates that flooding has either begun or is about to commence. A flood advisory alerts the public to less severe flooding that may still pose a threat to life and property, whereas a flood watch suggests conditions are suitable for flooding.
Safety guidelines for individuals in flood-prone areas include moving to higher ground, adhering to evacuation orders, disconnecting utilities, and steering clear of flooded regions. The initial half-hour of rainfall is particularly hazardous for driving, as roads become slippery due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil on pavement.
In light of the ongoing weather situation in Los Angeles County, residents are strongly urged to remain informed about conditions and closely follow local authorities’ advice. Being prepared and aware can significantly reduce the risks associated with flash flooding during this critical weather event.
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Additional Resources
- SGV Tribune: Flash Flood Warning in Los Angeles County
- Wikipedia: Flash Flood
- Daily News: Flood Advisory in Los Angeles County
- Google Search: Flash Flood Warning Los Angeles
- NBC Los Angeles: Flash Flood Warning Issued
- Google Scholar: Flash Flood Warnings
- Desert Sun: Flash Flood Warnings in Southern California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flash Floods
- Daily Breeze: Flood Watch in Los Angeles County
- Google News: Flood Watch Los Angeles
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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
