The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for southwest Los Angeles County, including Santa Monica, through Saturday noon as heavy rainfall from a powerful storm system threatens the region.
Officials are urging residents to avoid non-essential travel and warning drivers not to attempt to cross flooded roadways as the storm brings intense precipitation to the area.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath announced Friday that the storm forecast has intensified, prompting County Public Works to issue a Phase 2 debris flow assessment for first-year burn areas. An evacuation order is now in effect for these burn areas, beginning at 8 p.m. Friday and continuing for the duration of the storm.
Law enforcement partners are conducting door-to-door notifications to residents in affected areas. Sheriff's deputies are focusing on pre-identified vulnerable residences to ensure residents are aware of evacuation warnings and orders.
The powerful low-pressure system is expected to bring 1 to 2 inches of rain to most areas through the weekend, with mountain and foothill regions potentially receiving 2 to 4 inches. Isolated locations could see up to 5 inches. Rain rates could reach half an inch per hour.
Areas impacted by January's wildfires remain highly susceptible to mud and debris flows. A flood watch is active through Saturday evening.
The National Weather Service warns of possible thunderstorms, gusty winds and a slight tornado risk. High surf of 8 to 11 feet will impact coastal areas through Saturday.
Residents are advised to sign up for emergency alerts at lacounty.gov/emergency and alert.lacounty.gov. They should download the Genasys Alert app to check evacuation status and obtain sandbags from county distribution sites.
Officials warn residents to avoid flood control channels and never cross flooded areas. Emergency resources, including search and rescue teams and swiftwater rescue swimmers, have been pre-positioned. Winter shelters are open for unhoused residents. Call 211 for information.