Following Atmospheric River Storm: Evacuation Warnings Lifted for Burn Scar Areas in L.A.

An early atmospheric river recently hit Southern California, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and even tornado warnings. This storm was a crucial test for the region, especially for areas recovering from wildfires.

Los Angeles saw notable rainfall: 2.17 inches in Bel-Air, 2.10 inches in Beverly Hills, and 3.28 inches in Woodland Hills. It was the first significant rain of the water year, which started on October 1. Notably, downtown Los Angeles hadn’t seen more than an inch of rain in October since 2009, according to meteorologist John Dumas.

The storm was classified as a Level 1 atmospheric river, providing much-needed moisture to the drought-stricken landscape. Marty Ralph, director of the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at UC San Diego, noted that this rain could delay the wildfire season by weeks or even months. He described it as a “Goldilocks atmospheric river,” meaning it was just right, delivering moisture without causing severe damage to the hills scarred by earlier fires.

Evacuation warnings for burn scars in the Los Angeles area were initially set to expire early Wednesday but were lifted by the evening as conditions improved. Mayor Karen Bass praised city crews for their quick preparation and response to potential emergencies, particularly around at-risk areas like Pacific Palisades and Sylmar.

Burn scars can create dangerous situations. The soil, after being burned, repels water, making flooding more likely with less rain. As a precaution, local authorities distributed sandbags in vulnerable neighborhoods, and several rescue teams were on standby.

While some areas faced evacuation orders, no significant damage was reported right away. In Orange County, heavy rain caused limited evacuations near the Airport fire burn scar from the previous year, but these orders were lifted later that afternoon.

This storm also drew mixed reactions from communities. Schools in areas like Pacific Palisades had only recently reopened, and some parents worried that returning to these locations might be premature, especially with a wet winter ahead. Parent Andrea Samulon voiced concerns about how many school days children might miss if landslides became a real concern.

Despite the challenges, the rain nourished local flora, helping to reduce fire risks for a while. Ralph emphasized that a few more storms could significantly help alleviate the drought. However, concerns linger about how upcoming dry conditions and Santa Ana winds might impact the landscape.

The storm led to some dramatic incidents. In Los Angeles, firefighters rescued four people from a platform along the river, and there were reports of a potential body discovered in the Santa Ana River. In Sun Valley, rain caused a roof collapse at a movie studio, causing damage to equipment.

Winds reached impressive speeds, with gusts recorded at 73 mph in parts of the Western San Gabriel Mountains. Tornado warnings were issued, though it’s unclear whether any tornadoes actually formed.

Prior to reaching Southern California, the storm brought significant snowfall to the Sierra and caused flight delays at San Francisco Airport. Rainfall in the Bay Area ranged from half an inch to two inches during the storm.

As the storm subsides, the forecast predicts a return to Southern California’s typical pleasant weather by Thursday, with day temperatures expected to reach the 70s.

For ongoing weather updates, check resources like the National Weather Service here.

Source link