Flash Flood Watch in the Los Angeles area

Active for next 1 day · 
National Weather Service
This alert has been updated.
Posted 5 hours ago
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR ALL BURN AREAS IN SANTA BARBARA,
VENTURA, AND LOS ANGELES COUNTIES THIS EVENING INTO
WEDNESDAY MORNING...

.A very moist air mass associated with an atmospheric river storm
system will bring rain to Southwest California this afternoon
through Wednesday. The heaviest rainfall across Santa Barbara
county is expected this evening through tonight, impacting the
Sherpa, Whittier and Thomas burn scars. Across Ventura and Los
Angeles counties, the heaviest rainfall is expected late tonight
and Wednesday morning, impacting the Thomas, Hill, Woolsey, Stone,
South, Creek and La Tuna burn scars.
Peak rainfall rates during this period are expected to range
between 0.50 and 0.80 inches per hour. Additionally, there is the
potential for isolated thunderstorms which could produce locally
higher hourly rates.

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH
WEDNESDAY MORNING...
The Flash Flood Watch is now in effect for

* All burn areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles
counties.

* From 6 PM this evening until 11 AM Wednesday.

* Peak rain rates of 0.50 to 0.80 inches per hour will be possible
with locally higher rates in thunderstorms.

* Shallow mud and debris flows will be likely, especially in the
first year burn areas with the potential for more significant
and damaging debris flows. In addition, roadway flooding is
likely, especially in low lying areas, along with rock and
mudslides on canyon roads and below steep terrain.
Flash flooding and debris flows will be a particular threat in
and below the recently burned areas.
Southern California residents, in or below the recently burned
areas are urged to take the steps necessary to protect their
property. Persons in the watch area should remain alert and
follow directions of emergency preparedness officials.
ready.gov

Tips from ready.gov



Before:

  • Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

  • Elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel in your home if you live in an area that has a high flood risk.

  • Consider installing "check valves" to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home.

  • If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building and seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds.

  • More:

  • What to do before a flood.


During:

  • Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.

  • If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

    • Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

    • Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.

  • Be aware of stream, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without typical warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.

  • If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

    • Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.

    • Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be swept away quickly.

    • Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams, rivers or creeks, particularly during threatening conditions.

  • More:

  • What to do during a flood.
noaa.gov

What is a Flash Flood Watch?

Warning
Watch
Statement
This product is issued by the local National Weather Service office (NWFO) for events that have the potential for short duration (usually less than 6 hours) intense flooding of counties, communities, streams or areas for which the occurrence is neither certain nor imminent. This watch indicates that flash flooding is a possibility in or close to the watch area. Those in the affected area are urged to be ready to take action if a Flash Flood Warning is issued or flooding is observed. A Flash Flood Watch may be issued for potential flooding from either dam breaks, ice jam breaks, or torrential downpours.

end quote from:
https://www.google.org/publicalerts/alert?aid=d9c4c2a147f70fb6&hl=en&gl=US&source=web
Alert area: Los Angeles County Coast including Downtown Los Angeles; Los Angeles County Mountains excluding the Santa Monica Range; Los Angeles County San Fernando Valley; Santa Barbara County Mountains; Santa Barbara County South Coast; Santa Clarita Valley; Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area; Santa Ynez Valley; Ventura County Coast; Ventura County Coastal Valleys; Ventura County Interior Valleys; Ventura County Mountains

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