LOS ANGELES — The first major storm of the season rolled through Southern California, bringing heavy rain and snow that helped extinguish wildfires while also leading to ash and mud flow issues across Los Angeles on Monday.
Regions in Los Angeles received over an inch (2.5 centimeters) of rainfall, which loosened hillsides previously scorched by wildfires close to Pacific Palisades. Emergency crews worked to clear roadways, including the well-known Pacific Coast Highway, which faced significant flooding.
In Malibu, four schools were closed Monday due to hazardous road conditions, according to a statement from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.
Although the clouds were beginning to dissipate, flood watches remained in effect in areas affected by recent fires, particularly in parts of the Palisades, Altadena, and Castaic Lake.
Meteorologist Joe Sirard from the National Weather Service in Los Angeles highlighted that recently burned areas are particularly vulnerable to quick runoff.
North of the city, snowfall late Sunday led to the temporary closure of the Tejon Pass section of Interstate 5, a vital highway connecting the northern and southern parts of the state. It reopened later on Monday afternoon. This highway, which reaches elevations exceeding 4,100 feet (1,250 meters), is frequently affected by storms.
Mountains in San Bernardino and Riverside counties were under a winter storm warning, with forecasts predicting as much as a foot (0.30 meters) of snow during this storm event. In some areas near ski resorts around Big Bear Lake, vehicles were required to use chains due to icy conditions.
Certain regions of San Diego County experienced rainfall exceeding an inch, while others recorded lesser amounts. The rain commenced on Saturday, finally breaking a lengthy spell of dry and windy conditions that had heightened wildfire risks.
In the preceding week, crews in Los Angeles County focused on removing vegetation, stabilizing slopes, and enhancing roads in areas affected by the recent Palisades and Eaton fires, which devastated neighborhoods and resulted in considerable loss of life due to powerful winds that occurred on January 7.
The Palisades Fire, the most significant wildfire that resulted in the destruction of thousands of homes and claimed at least 12 lives, reached 94% containment as of Monday. Similarly, the Eaton Fire, which ignited near Altadena and took at least 17 lives, reported a 98% containment status.
Additionally, the Hughes Fire, which broke out north of Los Angeles last week, prompted evacuation notices for more than 50,000 residents but is now nearing containment.
Rainfall in San Diego County also assisted firefighters in achieving considerable advancements in battling the smaller Border 2 Fire, which was burning through remote areas of the Otay Mountain Wilderness near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Authorities in both Los Angeles city and county expedited cleanup measures following last week’s environmental impacts caused by fire-related pollutants. A statement released by the White House indicated that federal officials have been tasked with assisting local authorities. Within five days of this order, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other departments are to develop a strategy for the rapid removal of contaminated debris.
Officials have warned that the ash from these recent fire zones poses a toxic risk, comprising materials from burned vehicles, electronics, and household items—much of which includes harmful substances like pesticides, asbestos, and lead. Residents are advised to use protective gear during cleanup activities.
Heightened fears of debris flows following wildfires were especially prominent after the destructive mudslides in Montecito in 2018, which followed a heavy downpour that struck areas previously scorched by wildfires, resulting in hundreds of damaged homes and 23 fatalities.
This rain event brought an end to an exceptionally dry spell impacting Southern California. Currently, much of the region finds itself classified under “extreme” or “severe” drought categories according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
