A monster rainstorm was drenching southern California, with officials in Los Angeles readying for flooding and landslides in areas burned by last month's huge wildfires.
LOS ANGELES - A monster rainstorm was drenching southern California, with officials in Los Angeles readying for flooding and landslides in areas burned by last month's huge wildfires.
Heavy rain was falling across a swath of the state, with as much as 15cm expected in some places, forecasters from the National Weather Service said. That volume of water in such a short period of time could create problems in areas ravaged by blazes that killed at least 29 people in January. "There's a high risk for flooding, especially in and around the road areas and urban areas, as well as an appreciable risk for debris flows," Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the NWS, told reporters earlier in the week.The greatest risk to life and limb was expected to be around the burn scars in Altadena and in the Pacific Palisades areas.The heat of the fires also had the effect of baking and hardening the soil, making it less absorbent.
The incoming storm system is being driven by an"atmospheric river," a giant corridor of rain that brings billions of gallons of moisture from the Pacific Ocean.Until the start of February, there had been no significant precipitation for about eight months.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Pink Fire Retardant Descends on Los Angeles, Raising Questions About Safety and ImpactThe use of pink fire retardant in battling wildfires in Los Angeles has sparked debate about its effectiveness and potential environmental and health consequences.
Read more »
Lessons for South Africa from the Los Angeles wildfiresLast month, South Africa reported a 96% rise in wildfire incidents compared with December 2023
Read more »
Keyshia Cole's South African Tour Cancelled Due to Devastating Los Angeles WildfiresKeyshia Cole's South African tour, originally scheduled for January 2025, has been cancelled due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. The singer was set to perform at major venues in Pretoria, East Rand, and Cape Town.
Read more »
Mass evacuations after explosive new fire erupts near Los AngelesEvacuations were ordered for 31,000 people around the lake, which sits 56km north of Los Angeles, and close to the city of Santa Clarita.
Read more »
Hughes Fire Forces Evacuations, Burns Thousands of Acres near Los AngelesThe Hughes fire, ignited near Castaic Lake 72 km northwest of Los Angeles, has burned over 10,000 acres. Fueled by strong winds and dry brush, the blaze prompted the evacuation of 31,000 residents. While no structures have been damaged yet, officials are working to contain the fire. The incident comes amidst a heightened fire risk due to dry conditions and strong winds in the region.
Read more »
Los Angeles wildfire crisis: Trump's aid threats alarm officialsAs Los Angeles reels from devastating wildfires causing billions in damage, President Trump's impending visit raises alarm among officials and victims alike. With thousands homeless and crucial federal aid hanging in the balance, the city faces a critical test of political will versus humanitarian need.
Read more »