Glendora residents meet in preparation for El Nino

GLENDORA, Calif. (KABC) -- Like many others, hillside residents in the Glendora area are worried about the threat of heavy downpours this winter that could trigger flash flooding and mudslides.

The K-rails that have become the norm on numerous streets in Glendora could be put to the test this winter. Forecasters predict a strong El Nino will bring heavy rainfall to Southern California.

"I'm backed up right against the mountain, and right beyond us there's no vegetation," resident Beverly Lee said. "I'm really concerned that the mud's gonna come down and wash our house and us down the hill."

Residents of neighborhoods in the Colby Fire burn area gathered for a community meeting Wednesday night, hearing about the plans Glendora officials are making to protect homes and property, and to get the latest information about the risk of flooding and debris flows.

"The two strongest El Ninos, especially recorded and even simulated, have been in '82, '83, '97, '98, so the forecast is for strong El Nino to persist through the winter," National Weather Service meteorologist Mark Jackson said.

"That water is going to flow and it's going to flow this winter; we know that," Glendora Police Chief Tim Staab said.

The devastating fire stripped the hillsides surrounding many homes of vegetation. Residents living near debris basins say public works crews have done a lot of work to ease the danger posed by flash flooding.

"That debris basin they're emptying that stuff. They spent a lot of time emptying that after the recent storms in February, so we know they're ready," resident Nick Ekdahl said.

"A lot of good information makes its way to us, the Nixle and the cellphone notifications, so I feel pretty comfortable and confident that way," resident Lori Ekdahl said.