Residents prepare for strong SoCal storms

CALABASAS, Calif. (KABC) -- Residents in Calabasas were preparing for the worst on Sunday as rain could soon bring flooding and mudslides to parts of the Southland.

The rush was on to get preparations in place before the rain arrived.

MORE: Series of strong storms expected to sweep across Southern California.

"We wanted to get some sandbags in case we get too much rain over this next three-to-four-day period," said Howard Fink, a Calabasas resident. "Sometimes we get some flooding around our house, so, it's just to protect, make sure that we have some protection."

Fink and his wife were getting the last sandbags at Station 68 in Calabasas. After dozens of residents turned out on Sunday, fire officials said more supplies were on the way as they prepare for potential problems.

"We are pretty well used to it. We do get these types of storms every year," said Capt. Omar Estorga of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. "This is going to be the biggest one yet, up to date, but we are ready."

MORE: Latest in Southern California weather forecast

Up along the 101 Freeway in Ventura County, Caltrans crews were also getting ready, surveying the charred hillside after last weekend's brush fire.

Authorities were concerned heavy rain could bring down dangerous run-off and debris, which is something residents in Camarillo Springs know all too well.

Sandbags and barricades were in place in the neighborhood and up on the hillsides, extra diversions after a devastating flash flood in a burn area last winter destroyed and damaged numerous homes.

"They've added these state-of-the-art debris fences to increase those capacities and to collect all the big debris that comes down," said Barbara Williams of Camarillo Springs.

Meteorologists at the National Weather Service said the series of storms set to move in will bring rain, snow, wind and an increased risk of flooding.

"This is definitely a different looking system than we've had so far this winter. Most of the storms so far have been mostly from the north and dryer. This system is coming more from the west, has a lot more moisture with it," said Mike Wofford of NWS.

NWS officials added that Tuesday into Tuesday night will be the strongest of the storms, the time of most concern and potential risk for flooding.