Burn areas in Ventura, Los Angeles counties could see mudslides, floods during El Nino

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Back in 1999, El Nino caused damaging storms that created mudslides, floods and coastal damage.

This time around, several large burn areas will be watched in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Charred ground where vegetation has burned away cannot easily absorb rainwater, which ramps up the risk of floods and mudslides.

One burn area that is at risk is 400 acres burned by the Calgrove Fire in Santa Clarita Valley. It's at risk for mudslides or debris flows for the next three to five years.

The Colby Fire, which broke out in early 2014, burned nearly 2,000 acres. K-rails still line the streets in the foothill neighborhoods around Glendora, an area where neighbors are on edge every time it rains.

In Camarillo Springs, the 2013 Springs Fire left a massive scar. Last year, storms caused a mudslide that damaged 16 homes.

In Orange County, the Silverado Fire burned about 1,000 acres, leaving little vegetation to hold back water. There are a few other areas of concern, including the Powerhouse burn area in the Angeles National Forest.