After experiencing severe drought and devastating wildfires, Southern California is expected to receive much-needed rainfall this weekend. The rain is anticipated to bring relief to fire crews but also presents the risk of mudslides and debris flow on charred hillsides. The National Weather Service predicts a 60% to 80% chance of thunderstorms starting on Saturday, bringing potentially up to two inches of rainfall, the most significant since Christmas Eve. While the best estimate is around half an inch, there is still a slight chance of heavier rain, increasing the risk of debris flow in burn scar areas.
To prepare for the rainfall, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order to accelerate cleanup efforts and protect against toxic runoff impacting the land and sea. The order includes the installation of barriers, debris removal, and diverting runoff from stormwater to the sewer system for treatment.
Despite the welcome rain, firefighters are still battling wildfires in the region, with some blazes at 68% and 91% containment. Red flag warnings are in place due to low humidity and the potential for extreme fire behavior, with gusts of up to 50 mph and isolated gusts of 75 mph predicted in mountainous areas.
As the region continues to grapple with the impacts of wildfires and drought, the potential for mudslides and debris flow will remain a concern whenever rain is in the forecast. Citizens are urged to stay prepared and vigilant in the face of these ongoing challenges.
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