LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A Pacific storm struck the Southland today, generating rain and snow, creating treacherous travel conditions across the area and raising fears of flooding and mudslides in areas stripped bare by the Woolsey and Holy fires. Late Monday morning, Orange County Sheriff's Department issued a voluntary evacuation order for neighborhoods near the Holy Fire burn area, noting that ``flooding and debris flows are possible and evacuation routes can quickly become impassable.''
Sheriff's officials said the heaviest rain was expected in the burn area Monday afternoon through about 7 p.m. The voluntary evacuation order ``is a precautionary measure and there are no road closures at this time,'' sheriff's officials said shortly before noon. In Orange County, a flash flood watch will be in effect from this afternoon until tonight. It will be in effect in coastal, inland and mountain areas.
``Heavy rainfall of 1 to 2 inches, with localized amounts up to 3 inches along the coastal slopes, is forecast to occur,'' said an NWS statement forecasting Orange County conditions.
``Rainfall amounts of one half to one inch could fall in one hour, with the heaviest rates occurring near the coast.
``There is the potential of mudslides and debris flows at recent burn scars, particularly near the Holy Fire burn scar. Debris flows can happen suddenly with little time to act. Heed the advice of local officials.``In addition, street flooding is possible along with the possibility of some road closures.''
Early Monday morning, the National Weather Service issued an Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory for western Los Angeles County due to the persistent rain falling in the area. That advisory was allowed to expire at 9:30 a.m.Monday's storm was expected to produce between a half-inch and 1 1/2 inches of rain and up to 2 1/2 inches in the mountains and foothills, NWS meteorologist Todd Hall said. Two more storms are expected to roll through the area this week, generating between 3 and 6 inches of rain in coastal valleys and 7 to 9 inches in mountains and foothills, he said.
``It's going to be a very wet week for Southern California,'' Hall said. The Woolsey Fire area in Ventura County and in the Malibu area in L.A. County is the most vulnerable of the region's burn areas, Hall said. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department emphasized the risks in a statement.
``Authorities warn that all residents who live in or near the Woolsey Fire burn area should remain aware of their surroundings and weather conditions during these storms. Even small amounts of rainfall rates may result in significant mud and debris flow, so we strongly encourage residents who live in or near Woolsey Fire burn areas to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice,'' said Los Angeles County Sheriff's Capt. Darren Harris.
``If you feel unsafe or think that hazardous conditions near your home may develop, do not hesitate to leave. Elderly residents, individuals who have medical conditions and residents who own large animals should make plans now to leave their homes as a precaution."
L.A. County public safety officials said communities in low-lying areas or next to steep slopes or waterways are particularly at-risk of falling debris and mud flow. Residents living in homes with limited roadway access or that can become isolated for an extended period due to the storm should consider leaving before storms arrive, and homes or neighborhoods with gates should consider leaving them open to avoid being trapped due to mud flow accumulation; even one-inch of mud can restrict gate operations.
``If your property becomes unsafe and there is no time to evacuate, seek safe high-ground,'' urged the sheriff department statement. It added:
``Since all canyon roads may be blocked and subject to closure for extended periods, residents should have enough food, water, medication and supplies for at least seven to 10 days for all family members, including pets and large animals.''
NWS forecasters warned that despite the already-wet morning, the bulk of Monday's storm likely would not arrive until the afternoon, particularly in Los Angeles County. The rain is ``expected to decrease in intensity and coverage this evening, then start to increase again later tonight and especially Tuesday as the next impulses arrive,'' according to the NWS.
``This one may be the strongest of the week, with a strong southerly component to the low level winds and good instability, especially in the afternoon.''A winter storm warning denoting potentially perilous conditions will be in effect in the San Gabriel Mountains until 10 a.m. Tuesday, according to the NWS.Heavy snow is expected, with snow accumulation of 6-12 inches anticipated above 5,000 feet and 1-3 inches between 4,000 and 5,000 feet, according to the NWS.
There also could be light slow accumulation down to 3,500 feet, which could affect Interstate 5 through The Grapevine.At the same time, ``damaging'' winds of 25-35 mph gusting at up to 60 mph will buffet the northwest San Gabriels, including the Interstate 5 corridor, the weather service said. But no other warnings of high winds were issued for any other part of L.A. County early this morning.
``Plan on difficult travel conditions, including during the evening commute on Monday and the morning commute Tuesday. Be prepared for significant reductions and invisibility at times,'' according to the NWS statement discussing mountain conditions. A Winter Storm Warning for snow means severe winter weather conditions will make travel very hazardous or impossible.
``If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions from CalTrans are available by calling (800) 427-7623.''
In Orange County -- including coastal, inland and mountain areas -- a flash flood watch will be in force from this afternoon through tonight.
Along the L.A. County coast, breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet, with maximum sets of 8 feet, are expected, increasing to 5 to 8 feet this afternoon through Tuesday, according to the NWS. The high surf then is likely to continue Tuesday night through Friday.The conditions create ``an increased risk for ocean drowning,'' warned an NWS statement on maritime conditions.
``Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.''
Forecasters warned swimmers who get caught in a rip current to ``relax and float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.''