A major storm in Southern California caused a sensation Thursday morning, sparking evacuation warnings and fear of mudslides — at least one tornado.
Officials issued flooding and severe thunderstorm warnings to parts of the area Thursday morning as it continued rain.
There are reports of some debris flow and some scattered hail in the combustion area. Strong rainfall caused scattered street flooding. The Los Angeles Fire Department said it is trying to rescue a man trapped on a concrete wall co of the Los Angeles River in Boyle Heights.
In some areas, wind gusts are expected to be at 50 mph. In Pico Rivera, a tornado may have occurred before sunrise Thursday.
The National Weather Service posted on X Los Angeles account: “We are hearing reports of possible tornados.
The worst rain should have moved out later this morning, but officials warned of a painful commute.
It is expected to pour 1 to 2 inches of rain at a rate that may cause problems, up to 4 inches in the valley.
There is a possibility of heavier showers and thunderstorms hitting the southwestern mountains and foothills, areas that are susceptible to this storm pattern. Rose Schoenfeld, a meteorologist with the Oxnard National Weather Service, said there is the possibility of destroying winds, downpours, hail and even weak tornadoes.
“The most likely outcome is that we will see shallow debris flows, slight flooding and some ponds and flooding on the road,” Schoenfeld said.
However, she added that there is also a 30 to 50% chance of flooding and debris flow in flood surveillance areas, especially burn scars. Officials say the rainfall rate is high, exceeding 0.75 inches per hour, which could trigger large amounts of debris flow in the fire area.
“This could include such as roads covered with mud or water, the effects of cars stuck in mud or water, and some structures that threaten in burn scars,” Schoenfeld said.
Evacuation warnings and orders have been issued to the Los Angeles community near Eaton, Palisade and the Sunset Fire District before the rain.
The evacuation warnings began Wednesday morning in the Palisades Burn Scar, Getty Villa area, Highlands, Bienveneda area near Temescal Canyon Park, Rivas Canyon/Will Rogers State Park, Mandeville Canyon above Tanners Road, Mandeville Canyon above Old Ranch Road, Old Ranch Road and Cultic Creek.
Runyon Canyon in the Sunset Fire Zone is also under evacuation warnings. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, an evacuation warning has been issued to Olive Lane in Oakridge Mobile Home Park.
Several communities in Malibu are also under evacuation warnings, according to the city.
These areas include Carbon Canyon, Carbon Beach East, La Costa, Las Flores Creek, Las Flores Mesa, Malibu Creek, Malibu Colonial, Civic Center, Malibu Knowles, Malibu Road, Malibu Country Manor, Pulko Gorge and Pima Road.
“Due to the significant risks of flash flooding, debris flows and mudslides, residents should now be prepared to evacuate. These hazards pose a serious threat to life and property,” the city wrote in an article on X.
Amid the burning scars of Eaton Fire, officials warn residents to prepare to leave their homes before the storm.
The city of Madre in Serra has issued a mandatory evacuation order for houses under the Sierra Madre and Lannan debris basins. Evacuation warnings have been issued for other mountain-friendly communities in the community. The evacuations will remain in effect at 6 p.m. Thursday, according to the city.
Evacuation warnings were also issued to houses near the foothills of San Gabriel in Altadena.
Authorities have visited properties in areas where a specific evacuation order was issued, according to a press release issued by Mayor Karen Bass’ office on Wednesday.
“When we prepare for another storm to go to Los Angeles, I want to urge Angelens to stay alert, especially in burn scar areas,” Bass said in a statement.
