LOS ANGELES—The Southland was drying out from a pair of moderate storm systems over the weekend, with a potentially more serious storm on the way this week.
The National Weather Service (NWS) cited “growing potential for a strong storm Wednesday through Thursday of next week,” with lingering showers possible on Friday as well.
Forecasters said the lack of rainfall leading up to the storm may lead to less severe impacts, mainly away from burn scars. “There is at least a moderate risk for widespread heavy rain, significant flooding, debris flows, high elevation mountain snow, and strong winds,” the NWS added.
This week’s rains, which largely let up early Friday, led to wet roads, a mudslide on Pacific Coast Highway and some rocks tumbling near Pacific Palisades, but no major damage overall.
A mudslide occurred overnight on PCH just north of Big Rock Drive, covering all lanes of the roadway—which was closed at the time as a storm precaution. Caltrans officials said crews were examining the damage, and it was unclear how long it would take to clear the road.
PCH will remain fully closed between Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu and Chautauqua Boulevard in Los Angeles until further notice, according to Caltrans. The closure is for safety in case of more debris slides and to allow Caltrans and Los Angeles County crews to remove debris, mitigate slope slippage and clear debris basins.
“Malibu residents and essential contractors who previously received PCH access passes will NOT be able to get through the PCH closure,” Malibu officials said.
A little to the east, rocks were reported to have fallen near Sunset and Topanga Canyon boulevards. But no injuries were reported.
Residents were urged to clear drainage paths around their properties, install sandbags to direct runoff away from homes, avoid travel in burn areas and mountain roads during heavy rainfall and sign up for emergency alerts at ready.lacounty.gov.
