Southern California Faces Flood Risks as Rainfall Follows Wildfires

abc News
Southern California is about to get soaked -- the good and the potentially bad

Heavy rain is the biggest risk factor, because the burn scars over this area have very weak soils and foundations. Light rain might not affect much, but if the rain is heavy enough and persists for long enough, debris flows will be possible.

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abc News
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Weather Whiplash: SoCal Goes From Wildfire Warnings To Flood Watch

A winter storm warning and wind advisory is in effect in Southern California's mountains and foothills, and a flood watch is pending in the recent wildfire areas across the Southland. According to AccuWeather, the rainfall is imminent, with the first drops expected in Los Angeles and San Diego Counties at about 9 p.m. Saturday.

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New York Post
Southern California braces for flooding, mudslides as intense rainfall expected among wildfire-ravaged areas

The National Weather Service said there is a 15-25% chance of thunderstorms across the region, which could bring periods of heavy rainfall that could overwhelm the burn-scar areas. There is also a threat of some small hail and locally high wind gusts. “This is not all-day rain. It’ll be a lot of on-and-off showers throughout the day,” FOX Weather Meteorologist Ari Sarsalari said. “They’re a little bit hit or miss, but very high likelihood that you’re going to get wet at some point.”

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Rain falling in South California helps firefighters, creates risk of ash
Heavy rain is expected to aid firefighters mopping up multiple wildfires. But potentially heavy downpours on charred hillsides could bring new troubles. Flood watches were issued for some burn areas, while snow was likely in the mountains. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order last week.
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Southern California rain helps firefighters but creates risk of toxic ash runoff
Rain falling on Southern California is expected to aid firefighters mopping up multiple wildfires.
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Weekend rain ahead after 2 weeks of fires in Los Angeles. See the rainfall timeline
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Burn scars: Is rain helpful for wildfires? Not always
An upper-level low-pressure system is expected to strengthen and move over Southern California. The rain will help reduce fire danger, prevent new fires from starting, and provide essential water. Burn scars are barren, stripped areas of land left behind by wildfires. These regions are especially prone to flash flooding, even with minimal rainfall.
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L.A. live fire updates: Multiple new blazes erupt in SoCal, but rain is forecast for the weekend
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Rain in California helps firefighters respond to wildfires but presents risk of toxic ash runoff
Most of the region was forecast to receive around an inch of precipitation over several days. Flood watches were issued for some burn areas, while the mountains were expected to receive snow. "The threat is high enough to prepare for the worst-case scenario," a weather service meteorologist says.
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From fire alerts to flood watches: Rain brings relief to Southern California firefighters, but with a caveat
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Weekend rain probably won’t cause debris flows in fire-ravaged areas
Rain could begin as early as Saturday afternoon in Los Angeles. Heavy rain is expected to fall Sunday night and into Monday. There is a 10% to 20% chance of thunderstorms, which could be dangerous in the wake of recent fires. Temperatures will drop to the low 60s.
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Rain Provides Some Reprieve From LA Wildfires But Creates New Environmental Risk
Light rains have begun falling in Southern California. Forecasts predict heavier downpours through early Tuesday. The rain raises concerns of debris flows in burn areas. Los Angeles officials have issued flood watches for fire-affected regions. The Palisades and Eaton fires have killed at least 28 people.
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California Wildfire Map Shows Areas Getting Rain This Weekend
Many Southern California cities are inches behind their average rainfall for the water year, which begins on October 1. The lack of moisture has contributed to dry fuels that are easily consumed by wildfires. Strong winds contributing to the rapid spread of flames will die down by Friday, followed by a storm system.
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California Set for Much Needed Rain, but It Comes With Mudslide Risks
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