Without vegetation to anchor the soil, burn scar areas are especially vulnerable to heavy rain, which can trigger sudden and fast-moving debris flows that can destroy homes and block roads.
Kyle Wheeler, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s San Diego office, said residents in low-lying areas of the county could see up to one-half inch of rain from Saturday through Monday.
“There will be a decent amount of rain, but it will occur over several days,” Wheeler told The Epoch Times. “The fact that it’s occurring over such a long period of time is good. We won’t get it all at once.”
The storm won’t be as disastrous as others the state has seen in the last few years, but it could result in localized flooding, wet roads, and some pooling of water in the San Diego County region, he said.
Crews and equipment have been deployed to protect communities and natural resources, according to Newsom’s office.
“Even before we saw rain on the horizon in Los Angeles, I directed my departments and agencies to act fast to protect neighborhoods from potentially hazardous debris flows,” Newsom said in a press release. “By stationing resources and staff in key locations, we can help make a difference as we transition from fire response to storm preparedness.”
The state is also working closely with its partners to prevent toxic runoff from entering waterways by installing filtration barriers.
“Red flag conditions and high fire danger persist, followed by significant rain over the weekend,” the department posted on social media Tuesday.
The department suggested the public avoid activities that could spark a fire during windy conditions and be alert for flooding and landslides.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley met with Mayor Karen Bass and fire officials on Jan. 21, and talked with homeowners about the Palisades Fire, which killed at least 11 people and destroyed 6,662 homes and buildings.
