Cleanup efforts underway after storm dumps heavy rain across SoCal; multiple evac orders lifted

Concerns are growing for the communities surrounding the burn scars of the January wildfires as rain heading to the area could bring dangerous flooding.

Storm preparation is underway as heavy rain on Tuesday could trigger flash flooding, mudslides and debris flows in the Eaton Fire burn zone.

The area is expected to get about two to three inches of rain on Tuesday.

Over the weekend, the City of Pasadena installed K-rails -- or temporary concrete traffic barriers -- to protect parts of the community that are most at risk for mud and debris flows.

The biggest concern is for the homes at the bottom of Eaton Canyon.

According to Los Angeles County Public Works, homeowners have already been notified about potential evacuations due to flooding and debris flows.

A storm like this isn't an afterthought for officials. Over the summer, crews removed tons of material from the Eaton Wash Dam in the foothills of Altadena and Pasadena to prepare for storm season.

"We're asking people to stay off the roads if you can," said Kerjon Lee, a spokesman for Los Angeles County Public Works. "Stay away from mountain roads especially. Mud, debris flow is a concern.

"We're not expecting a lot of rain with this upcoming storm. It's going to be short bursts," Lee said. "But we do want to have the public prepared."

Residents are encouraged to map out an alternate route, as roads may be impacted depending on how much rain comes down.

Sandbags are free and available for residents outside city and county fire stations.

Effective Monday at 7 p.m., an evacuation warning will be in place for areas along or near the Airport Fire burn scar in Orange County.

The area includes those in Trabuco Creek, Hot Springs Canyon, Bell Canyon, Long Canyon and Modjeska Canyon.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the burn scar area for Tuesday, October 14, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the expected rain event.

Canyon residents are strongly encouraged to prepare and voluntarily evacuate by 7 p.m. Monday, especially those with disabilities, access and/or functional needs and canyon residents with large animals.

Any person requiring evacuation assistance should call Orange County Sheriff's Department Dispatch at 714-647-7000.

The county said soft road closures may be in place in the Canyon locations, particularly in Trabuco Creek and Modjeska Canyon near the Airport Fire burn scar.

Depending on the conditions, the evacuation warning could be changed to an evacuation order with little or no notice.

Starting at 7 p.m., a shelter will be located at the Foothill Ranch Library Program Annex, which is directly adjacent to the Foothill Ranch Library located at 27002 Cabriole Way, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610.

Read more at ocgov.com.

The burn scar area from the January Palisades Fire is under an evacuation warning due to the possibility of flooding and debris flows.

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, police officers will go door-to-door to visit each high-risk home with additional information.

Other areas under an evacuation warning include the Hurst Fire in Sylmar and the Sunset Fire in the Hollywood Hills.

The National Weather Service is advising residents to remain indoors and be extra careful when driving.

An evacuation warning is issued when there is a potential threat to life and/or property. An evacuation order is issued when there is an immediate threat to life and property, and it is a lawful order to leave right away. After an evacuation order is issued, the area is lawfully closed to public access, and residents are considered in danger if they stay.

You can find more information at AlertLA.org

An evacuation warning was issued for the Eaton Fire burn scar area on Monday afternoon due to the possibility of mud or debris flows with showers headed to Southern California, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Neighbors near the San Gabriel Foothills in Altadena are being asked to get set for possible evacuations. Residents should gather loved ones, pets and supplies.

Those who may need more time evacuating should consider leaving now, the sheriff's department warned.

An evacuation warning is issued when there is a potential threat to life and/or property. An evacuation order is issued when there is an immediate threat to life and property, and it is a lawful order to leave right away. After an evacuation order is issued, the area is lawfully closed to public access, and residents are considered in danger if they stay.

You can find more information at AlertLA.org