Pacific Palisades residents brace for powerful storm and mudslide threat
Storm system moving into Southern California
Across Southern California, officials warn the region will feel some effect of the incoming storm system.
LOS ANGELES - Evacuation warnings are in place across Southern California as a powerful storm approaches, bringing heavy rain, damaging winds, and the threat of mudslides and debris flows. Authorities are on high alert, particularly in areas scarred by recent wildfires.
Burn scar areas brace for storm
Residents in the Pacific Palisades are bracing for a powerful storm that will hit SoCal Monday night into Tuesday morning.
What we know:
In Pacific Palisades, residents and workers in burn zones are racing to prepare for what could be the strongest October storm in over a decade. Contractors are reinforcing structures to protect against flooding, while residents brace for impact.
"A couple of our clients were really concerned about getting too much water. We're trying our best to cover the structure," said Isaac Waxstein, a general contractor.
Hillsides charred by the recent wildfires are at heightened risk of giving way, prompting evacuation warnings for thousands of residents. Nancy Belanger, whose home was damaged in the Palisades Fire, is among those taking action, building a temporary wall to divert mud from her property.
RELATED: Evacuation warnings issued as dangerous storm threatens SoCal's recent burn areas
"The house made it through the fire; we've got to get through the storms," Belanger said. "We've just got to make sure the mud doesn't come through, as much water, get it away from the area."
The storm is expected to bring 1 to 3 inches of rain across Ventura and Los Angeles counties, with higher amounts in hills and mountains. A flood watch is in effect through much of Tuesday.
"This storm could bring localized flooding, debris flows, and power outages," said Capt. Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
LA Weather: Officials urge preparedness ahead of powerful storm
Mayor Karen Bass joined city and weather officials to warn Angelenos about a strong storm expected to hit overnight, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, and possible flooding or tornadoes.
Preparing for the storm
State and local officials are mobilizing resources to mitigate risks. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on X that California has pre-positioned dozers, hand crews, rescue swimmers, and helicopters in Ventura, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties to respond to potential debris flows and mudslides.
Topanga Canyon is set to close at 10 p.m. Monday as a precaution. Residents are urged to prepare for flooding and mud, recalling February's floods that sent water rushing down Pacific Palisades roads, creating a muddy mess on Pacific Coast Highway and pushing an SUV into the ocean.
Authorities advise residents to stay informed and follow evacuation warnings as the storm approaches.
The Source: Information for this story came from the National Weather Service , Los Angeles Fire Department, and Pacific Palisades residents impacted by the fire.