Map shows areas most at risk from ‘atmospheric river’ flooding in California

Map shows areas most at risk from 'atmospheric river' flooding in California A strong storm is heading into California through Thursday night. Heavy rain may trigger flash flooding and debris flows, inluding in areas recently burned by wildfires. This includes the burn areas from the Eaton, Palisades and other recent fires in the L.A. Basin. The storm will also bring strong wind gusts, thunderstorms and heavy mountain snow.
A National Weather Service map shows the areas under flash flood warning in California (Picture: National Weather Service)

A powerful storm with an atmospheric river threatens to bring life-threatening flooding and debris flow from Los Angeles wildfires burn scars.

The atmospheric river is forecast to unleash heavy downpours and wind on areas charred by last month’s fires, which were the most destructive in the county’s history.

Evacuation warnings were issued in places ravaged by the Palisades Fire including Mandeville Canyon due to concerns around debris flow. Warnings were also sent out for Trabuco Canyon and areas close to the Airport Fire burn scar.

The warnings went into effect at 7am and extend through Friday afternoon, and also apply to communities recovering from the Eaton, Bridge, Franklin, Hurst and Sunset fires.

Map shows areas most at risk from 'atmospheric river' flooding in California A strong storm is heading into California through Thursday night. Heavy rain may trigger flash flooding and debris flows, inluding in areas recently burned by wildfires. This includes the burn areas from the Eaton, Palisades and other recent fires in the L.A. Basin. The storm will also bring strong wind gusts, thunderstorms and heavy mountain snow.
Map shows areas under flood watch in California (Picture: National Weather Service)
SIERRA MADRE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Sierra Madre resident William Herbe stacks sandbags in front of his home in preparation for a powerful atmospheric river storm on February 12, 2025 in Sierra Madre, California. The storm is expected to impact Southern California with growing concerns of rock slides and mudslides in recent burn scar areas including hillside areas impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires. The Eaton Fire burned through parts of Sierra Madre. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Sierra Madre resident William Herbe stacks sandbags in front of his home in preparation for a powerful atmospheric river storm (Picture: Getty Images)

Burn scar areas are more prone to debris flow because vegetation, which helps keep soil in place, has been replaced with loose rocks, ash and dirt, said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist for the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

An atmospheric river is a long and narrow section in the air that transports water vapor outside of the tropics, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They often release the vapor in the form of rain or snow.

The highest flash flooding risk in Southern California urban areas is ‘in and near recent burn scar areas’, according to the National Weather Service.

Map shows areas most at risk from 'atmospheric river' flooding in California A strong storm is heading into California through Thursday night. Heavy rain may trigger flash flooding and debris flows, inluding in areas recently burned by wildfires. This includes the burn areas from the Eaton, Palisades and other recent fires in the L.A. Basin. The storm will also bring strong wind gusts, thunderstorms and heavy mountain snow.
Map shows the snow and rain forecast in California and the surrounding states (Picture: National Weather Service)
A Surfliner commuter train makes its way along the beach as a strong winter storm brings heavy rain, wind and waves to the coastline in Del Mar, California, February 13, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Blake
A Surfliner commuter train makes its way along the beach as a strong winter storm brings heavy rain, wind and waves to the coastline in Del Mar, California (Picture: Reuters)

‘Those around recently burned areas should listen carefully to instructions from local officials,’ stated the service. ‘Flash flooding in burn scars will be life-threatening.’

A radar map from the service shows flash flood warning areas in green covering Los Angeles County including the burn scar areas, and much of the central and northern coastal areas except for the Mojave Desert and San Joaquin Valley.

Los Angeles County officials have urged residents to prepare for possible mandatory evacuation orders.

A jogger stretches before working out at the beach as a strong winter storm brings heavy rain, wind and waves to the coastline in Del Mar, California, February 13, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Blake
A jogger stretches before working out at the beach as a strong winter storm brings heavy rain, wind and waves to the coastline in Del Mar, California (Picture: Reuters)
People walk along the beach promenade under umbrellas in Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 12, 2025. REUTERS/Daniel Cole
People walk along the beach promenade under umbrellas in Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California (Picture: Reuters)

The storm is expected to strong winds capable of downing trees, causing power outages and delaying and canceling flights.

A statewide preparation effort has included 319,000 sandbags, erecting barriers across nearly 120 miles of Southern California, and more than 240 fire engines ready to respond across eight counties.

The atmospheric river is part of what AccuWeather called the ‘stormiest stretch of winter’ which began earlier this week and has affected 40 US states and 200million residents. A trio of storms has brought heavy rainfall to the West Coast, snow and sleet to the Midwest and Northeast and flooding in the Southeast.

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