Forecasters Warn of Possible Mud and Debris, City of LA Issues Evacuation Warning
The National Weather Service of Los Angeles warns that an early-season winter storm will move into Los Angeles County late Monday, October 13, bringing widespread rain through Tuesday, October 14, and increasing the threat of mud and debris flows in wildfire burn areas. The heaviest rainfall is expected between 5:00 p.m. Monday and 3:00 p.m. Tuesday.
The Los Angeles Fire Department issued an Evacuation Warning for possible debris flows in effect from 1:00 pm Monday night to 6:00 am Wednesday. Prepare for possible evacuations in the zones: LFD-1081, 1083, 1085, 1087, 1089, 1091, 1092, 1093, 1095, 1096, 1097, and 0891 (Mandeville), Hurst Fire: LFD 0001-B, Sunset Fire: LFD-0835. For the map: protect.genasys.com.
The Los Angeles Police Department will go door-to-door to visit each high-risk home with additional information. For preparedness tips and resources, and continuing updates: LAFD.org/News.
The latest prediction from NWS LA says, “Increased risk of strong/severe thunderstorms across SW California tonight/Tue morning, capable of local damaging wind gusts of 60 mph+, brief heavy downpours, and small hail. Conditions are favorable for rotating storms, capable of isolated waterspouts/tornadoes.”
Officials say areas scarred by the January 7 wildfires remain highly susceptible to flooding and debris slides. Residents living near burn zones are urged to stay alert, follow official weather updates, and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm, especially if they have received warnings about potential mudflow hazards.
The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management has issued a Flood Watch for burn scar areas from 8:00 p.m. Monday through 3:00 p.m. Tuesday. Law enforcement agencies are urging residents in high-risk communities to prepare for possible evacuation orders as conditions evolve.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Register for emergency alerts at alert.lacounty.gov
- Download the Genasys Alert mobile app or visit protect.genasys.com to check evacuation status
- Locate nearby sandbag distribution sites at pw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags
- Review the County’s mud and debris flow forecast at dpw.lacounty.gov/wrd/forecast
- Visit ready.lacounty.gov/rain for updated safety tips and resources
Free, ready-to-fill sandbags are available year-round at all Los Angeles Fire Department stations. A list of locations can be found at LAFD.org/fire-stations/station-results. Sand is also available at more than 35 fire stations throughout the city.
Residents experiencing power outages can:
- Report issues at LADWP.com/outages or call 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397)
- Sign up for outage alerts at LADWP.com/OutageAlert
- Track restoration updates on NextDoor.com
- Access additional information at LACITY.gov
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) spent the weekend warning unhoused residents near waterways about the approaching storm and offering assistance. The department has also activated Search and Rescue Teams, Air Rescue 5, and its Incident Management Team, which will coordinate emergency response efforts through the Department Operations Center during the storm.
Deputies have been reaching out to vulnerable residents in Altadena and Malibu, where steep terrain and recent burn scars pose a higher risk of debris flows.
Authorities are urging the public to:
- Closely monitor news and weather reports for flood warnings and updates
- Stay away from flood control channels, storm drains, and natural waterways during heavy rain
- Never drive or walk through flooded streets or swift water
- If someone is swept away, call 911 immediately — do not enter the water. If possible, throw a rope or a flotation device to assist.
