The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) issued evacuation orders Wednesday morning for several neighborhoods ahead of a winter storm forecasted to hit the region, bringing heavy rains that threaten to trigger flooding, mudslides, and debris flows, including in areas recently devastated by recent fires.
The warnings include neighborhoods impacted by the Palisades Fire, including the Getty Villa vicinity, Highlands near burn zones, Bienveneda near Temescal Canyon Park, Rivas Canyon and Will Rogers State Park area, Mandeville Canyon above Tanners Road, and Old Ranch Road and Rustic Creek.
Residents were advised to begin their preparations immediately before heavy rains began.
According to the NWS's Area Forecast Discussion, traveling during the storm could become dangerous due to the potential for flooding and mudslides near recent burn scars.
The forecast predicts the strongest portion of the storm to move into Southern California overnight Wednesday into early Thursday morning. The NWS said despite the storm's rapid movement through the area, heavy rainfall is predicted to exceed the threshold needed to produce debris flows, with a 60 to 80 percent likelihood that hourly or sub-hourly rainfall rates will surpass such thresholds in the foothill and mountain regions.
The weather service has also warned that isolated thunderstorms may develop Thursday, potentially bringing light hail and snow as low as 2,500 feet. Travel disruptions are expected along major routes such as Interstate 5 near Tejon Pass and Highway 14 near Acton and 33 north of Ojai. The NWS also noted isolated downed trees and power outages are possible due to strong winds.