Heavy Rains and Mudslides in Southern CA Could Lead to Accidents
A major storm is expected to hit southern California on Thursday and Friday, causing heavy rainfall, mudslides, debris flows and flash flooding in areas that are burn-scarred from recent wildfires. This seriously inclement weather will create hazardous conditions on the roads in and around Los Angeles, and drivers are urged to take extra caution and only get behind the wheel if absolutely necessary. Some roads and bridges in Orange County may become impassable. Gusty winds of up to 50 mph are also expected to make driving difficult, especially for vehicles with high profiles.
The heaviest rainfall is expected late Thursday morning and during the commute home on Thursday evening. In some areas, up to six inches of snow is also expected.
Residents in areas hit by wildfires should also be on the lookout for debris-flow runout, which could be carrying hazardous materials that county and state officials have yet to remove from recently burned-out properties.
If you or a loved one suffer injury or loss due to mudslides, debris flow, floods or motor vehicle accidents during periods of heavy rain in LA, Orange County, Ventura County, Riverside County or elsewhere in southern California, you may be eligible for monetary compensation. Call Ellis Law Corporation for a free case review!
Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for areas affected by the Woolsey Fire and Holy Fire, including parts of Riverside County’s Lake Elsinore. Further evacuation orders could be issued in areas like Malibu, where power outages, mudslides and floods are anticipated.
Up to 3 inches of rain is expected in the foothills and areas of high elevation. Some areas where flood warnings have been issued include Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Malibu, Malibu Creek State Park, Woodland Hills, Westlake Village, Calabasas, and Oak Park. According to a National Weather Service statement, “Hourly rainfall rates in stronger showers and isolated thunderstorms could approach one-half to one inch in an hour. This could lead to mudslides and debris flows at recent burn scars.”
Additional resources on LA heavy rains and mudslides: