Rain was falling across Southern California on Sunday, bringing some relief to thousands of firefighters battling multiple major blazes for nearly a month in the Los Angeles area, but also prompting new threats of floods and mudslides across burn-scarred lands.
Rain brought much needed aid to the Los Angeles firefight, moving the fires surrounding the city closer to containment.
The National Weather Service said there is a 15-25% chance of thunderstorms across the region, which could bring periods of heavy rainfall that could overwhelm the burn-scar areas.
The Los Angeles area is preparing for its first rain since wildfires first broke out weeks ago. But too much rain at once could bring its own set of significant issues.
With parts of Los Angeles County still smoldering from wildfires, the expected rain this weekend would seem like a welcome relief. But how the rain falls could make the difference between a disaster respite or a disaster repeat.
If the rain falls at a steady, lighter rate, Southern California could be in good shape. That could mean enough rain to help ease the firefighting strain, but not enough to trigger another potential disaster. Heavier rain could mean the chance for flash flooding or mudslides over fresh burn scars.
On Sunday at 10:11 a.m. a special weather statement was issued by the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA in effect until 10:45 a.m. The alert is for Malibu Coast, Los Angeles, Palos Verdes Hills and Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area.
Rain on the way to parched Southern California on Saturday will aid firefighters mopping up multiple wildfires.
Weekend rains could bring some relief to Southern California. Here's the forecast and an assessment of how much it will help reduce fire risk.
On Sunday at 1:29 a.m. the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA issued a winter weather advisory. The advisory is for Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains, Southern Ventura County Mountains, Northern Ventura County Mountains,
Another wildfire has started in southern California, this one in the San Diego area. Firefighters say flames are spreading at a dangerous rate on Otay Mountain, and have engulfed over 17 square kilometers.