This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
Southern California is bracing for record rainfall this week, with forecasters predicting five straight days of precipitation through the holiday.
Travelers should proceed with caution, county emergency officials warned. With peak rainfall expected Tuesday night through Thursday, safety crews have closed roads along the coast and in the mountains and issued evacuation warnings and orders to vulnerable residents in burn scar areas.
“There will almost certainly be numerous mudslides, severe flooding either from heavy rain or clogged storm drains, and possibly debris flows near recent burn scars,” the National Weather Service said.
Los Angeles city and county officials issued evacuation warnings ahead of the storm for several high-risk areas:
All L.A. County evacuation warnings are in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday through 11 p.m. Thursday. Officials have also directly issued evacuation orders to around 400 households deemed at highest risk of debris flows in burn scars across the county.
Critical evacuation warnings and orders will be updated throughout the storm event here.
Wednesday will also bring a heightened risk for flash floods in Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties, according to the NWS. The “high risk” area is just north of the city of Los Angeles and includes Altadena, Burbank, Glendale, Thousand Oaks and Santa Clarita.
Starting Tuesday evening, evacuation warnings are in effect in Ventura County around the Mountain fire burn scar; the Matilija Canyon/North Fork/Camino Cielo areas near Ojai; and the Camp Chaffee and Foster Park areas of Ventura. An evacuation order is in effect for the Ventura Beach RV Resort.
In Santa Barbara County, evacuation warnings have been issued around the Lake fire burn area starting Tuesday evening, while in Orange County a mandatory evacuation order is in place for the Airport fire burn scar starting 8 a.m. Wednesday.
Shelters opened
Shelters have been opened to assist residents affected by the storm at the following locations. Those in need of shelter assistance can call the Red Cross at (800) 675-5799.
Road closures announced
Road closures are in effect in coastal and mountainous areas at high risk of flooding and mudslides.
Travelers are advised to plan alternate routes and to avoid driving in rainstorms. Officials warned that power outages and traffic signal failures are also possible, and additional closures are likely.
A countywide road closure map is available here.
1. Don’t enter flooded streets. If you’re unsure, turn back. As little as 6 inches of water can cause cars to stall or knock an adult off their feet. Two feet of water can sweep away a vehicle, including SUVs and pickup trucks.
2. Turn on your headlights. If windshield wipers are on, headlights should be on — it’s the law.
3. Drive slowly. Speed limits are not minimums. Leave extra time and use added caution.
4. Don’t tailgate. Wet roads increase stopping distance.
5. Check your tires. Proper inflation and tread can reduce the risk of hydroplaning.
6. Watch our video.
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service, which include arbitration and a class action waiver. You agree that we and our third-party vendors may collect and use your information, including through cookies, pixels and similar technologies, for the purposes set forth in our Privacy Policy such as personalizing your experience and ads.
Follow Us
Gavin J. Quinton is a reporting fellow at the Los Angeles Times. Previously the lead reporter for the Burbank Leader, he has written about financial misconduct by education leaders, localized opioid overdose data, and documented mass evictions in Burbank. In 2024, his investigation into safety and health failures by public library officials triggered systemwide reforms and leadership turnover. Quinton holds a journalism degree from Cal State L.A. and has written for LAist, the Los Angeles Business Journal, KnockLA and PBS SoCal.
Follow Us
Clara Harter is a breaking news reporter at the Los Angeles Times. Previously, she covered politics and education for the L.A. Daily News. She majored in political science and Middle Eastern studies at Columbia University.
California
California
Entertainment & Arts
California
There’s more than a dozen candidates currently on the ballot. Can Bass hold on to her seat? Or could councilmember Nithya Raman or reality star Spencer Pratt take it?
In 2012, the judge presiding over Orange County’s worst mass-shooter case gave a seemingly simple order. He told the Sheriff’s Department to reveal information about a mysterious jailhouse informant.
In this specially released bonus episode, Madison McGhee and Jami Rice share some extremely opinionated opinions about everything from the Menendez Brothers to Jax Taylor.
California
California
California
Subscribe for unlimited access
Site Map
Follow Us
MORE FROM THE L.A. TIMES
