Be prepared for heavy rains in southwest LA, California.

The City of Los Angeles and areas that were recently damaged by wildfires are now on alert as the National Weather Service has reported a storm system that is generating heavy rain, snow and high winds, with the risk of stirring up debris and causing material flows left behind by the wildfire.

According to National Weather Service reports, a moderate to severe winter storm is impacting southwestern California from Tuesday through late Thursday.

Meteorologists have warned that the situation could worsen in areas recently affected by wildfires, where water could generate dangerous debris flows. There is also a risk of flooding.

In this regard the National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for parts of Southern California and rainfall totals of more than 2 inches at lower elevations and 4 inches at higher elevations are expected.

For this reason, it is critical that residents of southwest California prepare for the incoming weather system, for which Cal OES has previously deployed more than 400 personnel to El Dorado, Glenn, Los Angeles, Nevada, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

Another task being undertaken is in the protection of fire affected areas in Los Angeles; therefore, authorities are actively working to keep communities in recent burn-scarred areas of Los Angeles County safe.

The State of California and Governor Gavin Newsom continue to coordinate support efforts with the City of Los Angeles Department of Emergency Management, the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management to ensure their region has the resources it needs in advance of this inclement weather.

It is very important for you to know that to protect Los Angeles communities near recent burn scars prior to the storm, Cal OES previously deployed 1 Local Government Type I Engine Strike Team, 1 Local Government Type VI Engine Strike Team, 4 local government Type I crews, 2 local government Type I dozers, 2 local government Helicopters with crew, 2 local government dispatchers, 1 local government Type III Swiftwater Rescue Team, 1 local government Type I Urban Search and Rescue Team, and 6 rescue swimmers.

The California government indicates that in addition, specialized state personnel have continued their recovery coordination efforts in the Los Angeles area since the start of the fires.

During this late winter season, efforts to safeguard communities also include the California Conservation Corps has more than 20 regional teams ready to respond.

Los Angeles County Public Works is monitoring and evaluating all Los Angeles County Flood Control District facilities to ensure they are ready.

But as the public and our community prepare for this series of storms, keep in mind that travel impacts are expected and residents should take safety precautions, such as signing up for alerts through your county at ListosCalifornia.org/alerts.
One thing to learn and have ready is a travel bag with essential items for you and your loved ones.
It is important to know more than one evacuation route out of your neighborhood.

Also, prepare in advance for power outages, avoid traveling to the mountains when the weather is most impactful, please do not drive on flooded roads, and check road conditions before traveling using Caltrans Quick Map at quickmap.dot.ca.gov.

California state government is calling on residents of affected counties to stay informed and listen to local authorities. You can visit ready.ca.gov for more tips to prepare for this storm.