Risk of upcoming rains in burned areas of Los Angeles

The rains predicted for this weekend in Southern California raise the risk of landslides in the areas devastated by the fires in Los Angeles.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS)some areas of the region could expect precipitation over the weekend after a prolonged period of dry conditions, low humidity and intense Santa Ana winds.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order this Tuesday for Public Works teams to clean and remove vegetation, to reinforce slopes and roads, as well as to clean debris in neighborhoods and burned areas due to the forecast of rain for this Saturday.

Keep reading: Fire victims in Los Angeles return home to find a desolate panorama

“With the predicted rains, it is imperative that Let’s take strong measures to prevent further damage to the burned areas and protect our waters and oceans from dangerous runoff,” Bass said.

“I am ordering city crews to quickly install reinforced concrete barriers, place sandbags and clear debris to shore up burned areas and stop the flow of toxins. “These communities have already suffered unimaginable losses, we are taking measures to prevent further damage,” he added.

Bass said the instructions are for prevent further damage to areas already ravaged by fireand also to protect our basin, beaches and ocean from toxics.

Keep reading: Evacuation orders issued for wildfire in San Diego

A property that was saved from the fire in the Pacific Palisades area was split in half by a landslide as a result of the water that was spilled to put out the flames and that softened the slope where it was located.

Authorities warned residents in affected areas to be prepared for the danger of landslides.

The NWS said rain is forecast for the Los Angeles area. from the night of this Saturday the 25th at least until the morning of Sunday January 26thbut they could extend into the night.

Keep reading: Second day of strong winds in Southern California

Meteorologists mentioned that Not too significant amounts are expected due to the rains for the weekendwhich could be between a quarter and a half inch of stormwater in most areas.

Despite this, Rains with more intense precipitation or thunderstorms cannot be ruled outespecially because, if a high amount of water is recorded, the threat of mud and debris flows increases in the areas where the recent fires occurred.

“It is expected that rainfall is mostly one-tenth of an inch per hour, or less. However, there is a 5 to 10% chance of a thunderstorm with briefly higher rainfall that could generate a debris flow if it falls over a recently burned area,” the NWS said.

Keep reading: Fake firefighters arrested in Los Angeles fire zone

The rainy season in Southern California ends in April.

Until this Tuesday, January 21, Firefighters continue fighting the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Firein the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

According to the most recent data from Cal Fire, The 23,713-acre Palisades Fire was 63% contained.while the Eaton Fire, which has burned 14,021 acres, containment was increased to 89%.

Since this Monday afternoon, the return was allowed to all residents evacuated by the Eaton Fire in the Altadena area.

Keep reading:
· Firefighters put out two new fires that broke out this Monday in Los Angeles
· Positive progress: Eaton Fire in Los Angeles 87% under control
· Who will pay for fire damage?