Neighborhoods devastated by Los Angeles wildfires are now bracing for deadly floods

A powerful rainstorm moving along the California coast could dump more than an inch of rain on multiple burn scar areas in Los Angeles County today, including the Eaton and Palisades fires. County officials issued warnings and evacuation orders for these areas due to the risk of flooding, mudslides and debris flows.

The storm, which began in the Pacific Northwest, dumped heavy rain on parts of Southern California late Monday night. Forecasters at the National Weather Service expected It will continue to affect the region until Tuesday. The coasts and valleys can see rainfall totals of up to 1.50 inches (3.8 cm), while the foothills and mountains receive up to 4 inches (10 cm).

The risk of flooding, mudslides and debris flows is particularly high in and under burn scars – areas charred by recent wildfires. In January, the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires burned nearly 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares) in Los Angeles County.

“As today’s storm intensifies, I cannot stress strongly enough the importance of heeding evacuation warnings and orders,” Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Katherine Barger said. He said In a statement. “These alerts are issued to protect lives. Conditions can change quickly, and once debris flows start, it may be too late for emergency crews to reach you.”

How wildfires increase flood risk

Burnt soil can be as water repellent as pavement Nuclear weapons. When plants burn, they release a waxy substance that melts and hardens on the top layer of soil, causing it to become hydrophobic. At the same time, fire also burns the stems and leaves of plants, slowing the contact of rainwater with the ground, as well as the roots that stabilize the soil.

As a result, it takes much less rainfall to cause flash floods, debris flows, or mudslides in a burn scar than in an area unaffected by wildfire. A good rule of thumb is: If you can look up from where you are and see a burning area, you’re in danger, the NWS says.

The Eaton Fire scar extends approximately 14,000 acres (5,600 ha) across Altadena and Pasadena, while the Palisades Fire scar includes approximately 24,000 acres (9,700 ha) in and around Pacific Palisades and Malibu. Other areas that could see significant impacts from today’s storm include the Hook, Hearst, Kenneth, Sunset, Lydia, Bridge, Canyon, Hughes and Franklin burn areas, according to Los Angeles County.

Disasters worsen

Officials expect these wildfire-affected areas to see moderate debris flows and mudflows, with some streets likely to become completely blocked with debris. This may also put some structures at risk depending on the location and terrain.

It remains to be seen how this storm will impact communities in burn scar areas, but the risks underscore the lasting impact wildfires have on the landscape and public safety. Californians have become well aware of this phenomenon in recent years. Just last week, the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla antiquities Flood and debris flows in Pine Valley, which was impacted by the Forsyth Fire in June.

As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of wildfires and rainstorms, their compounding effects will escalate. This is already straining emergency resources in California and the Pacific Northwest, with no real solution in sight as global temperatures continue to rise.