Elevated Risk of Mudslides at LA Wildfire Burn Scars From Coming Storm – Go Health Pro

Meteorologists are warning of an elevated risk of dangerous debris flows and destructive mudslides in Southern California next week in areas scorched by destructive Los Angeles wildfires.

AccuWeather meteorologists expect between 2 inches and 4 inches of rain near the Eaton and Palisades burn scar areas in L.A. Wednesday through Thursday

The oncoming storm may differ from the atmospheric river that brought the brunt of the heavy rain and flooding to Northern California, with heavy rain likely directed farther south into Central and Southern California, according to AccuWeather.

“If this southern scenario comes to fruition, there will be the risk for multiple inches of rain in and around the burn scar areas in the Los Angeles area,” AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dave Houk stated. “There has been rain in recent days across parts of Southern California, but this scenario could result in heavy rainfall with a high threat of mudslides and debris flows in the Eaton and Palisades burn scars. Other areas left scorched by wildfires in January are also at risk.”

According to meteorologists, as little as half-of-an-inch of rain in the span of an hour falling on burn scars can trigger mudslides or debris flows. Scorched earth acts more like pavement than typical soil, and rain runs off the land and races downhill. The landscape can be washed away, resulting in debris flows, mudslides, rockslides and flash flooding. Ash and potentially toxic debris from recent fires can also be carried away in debris flows and mudslides, according to AccuWeather.

AccuWeather estimates the wind-driven wildfires that destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in last month caused an estimated $250 billion to $275 billion in total damage and economic loss.

Insured loss estimates continue to rise. Allstate Corp. on Jan. 5 became the fourth carrier to report losses in excess of $1 billion from the fires. CEO Tom Wilson in a fourth quarter earnings call said pretax losses from the L.A. wildfires are expected to be about $1.1 billion net of reinsurance.

According to AccuWeather, the river of moisture expected to come from the Pacific into Southern California is part of the same stormy pattern responsible for back-to-back winter storms in the Midwest and Northeast.

AccuWeather meteorologists say people who are in or near recent burn scars in Southern California should prepare well before the arrival of rain in case voluntary or mandatory evacuations are ordered.

Topics
Catastrophe
Natural Disasters
Wildfire
Windstorm
Louisiana