LA Weather: Residents in burn scar areas brace for possible mudslides

Much needed rain is on the way to Southern California this weekend, bringing some relief to the firefight. But with the chance of rain also comes the risk for potential mudslides and flash flooding. 

Residents in the recent burn scar areas are now preparing for the worst. 

LA County and the state are taking several safety measures in preparation for the upcoming storm by installing k-rails and sandbags, actively clearing debris from streets, protecting the storm drain system from ash and debris.  

According to LA County Public Works, approximately 15,000 k-rail have already been installed in the Palisades and Eaton fire burn areas. Additional personnel from the California Conservation Corps and the Department of Water Resources are supporting these efforts, officials said. More k-rails are expected to be installed. 

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), wildfires will have lasting effects on the landscape, and create a heightened risk of flooding for years to come.

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"Locations that are downhill and downstream from burned areas are highly susceptible to Flash Flooding and Debris Flows, especially in and near steep terrain. In some areas, where the fire burned hot enough or long enough, soils develop a layer that actually repels water, like rain on pavement. Rainfall that would normally be absorbed by the forest canopy and loose tree litter and duff on the ground will instead quickly run off," NWS said in a statement

They say less rainfall is required to produce a flash flood, and the potential for debris flows increases with the loss of plant material which holds the soil in place.

In addition to mud and debris flow, residents are also worried about the risk of hazardous materials washing into the ocean.

"The biggest issue, I think for all of Malibu, is the hazardous stuff that's going to get washed into the ocean. That's probably of top priority now. I think the one slight good news is maybe the rain is going to be fairly light, there won't be that big of a problem, but as soon as we get a major storm, that's a different story," said architect Oscar McGraw. 

"We had mudslides last year when we had all the rain, without all the fire and devastation, so I am kind of concerned about that," said Palisades resident Carrie Galpin. 

Rain Forecast 

Luckily, the weekend rain is expected to be light, and more beneficial than hazardous. According to the National Weather Service, light rain is expected to fall Saturday through Monday in parts of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and LA counties.

RELATED: Los Angeles Weather: Rain forecast sparks flash flood concerns

Rain fall totals are estimated to be under .1 to 0.5" and 0.5 to 1.5" in the San Gabriel Mountains. 

Forecasters from NWS say rain could arrive as early as Saturday afternoon and last till Monday night. The highest chances for rain are expected on Sunday. 

Severe WeatherWildfiresLos Angeles County