SCV avoids flash floods, mud slides during weekend rainfall

Storm clouds over the high desert in Neenach as the sun sets Sunday evening. Photo courtesy of Jeff Zimmerman
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A weekend storm brought rainfall to the Santa Clarita Valley Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, prompting residents to prepare for possible mudslides in the burn areas.

In Saugus, 0.68 inches of rain were reported by the National Weather Service (NWS), according to NWS meteorologist David Sweet.

Officials with the NWS issued an hour-long Flash Flood Warning to Santa Clarita residents around 1:30 a.m. for areas affected by the Sage, Calgrove and Sand Fire areas, which were left barren and defenseless to rainfall following the fires.

Sweet said the flash flood warning was issued due to Doppler radar data and increased rainfall rates in the Santa Clarita Valley overnight.

“There was a threat of mud and debris flows,” Sweet said.

A flash flood watch was also in effect for the burn areas from 4 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday, according to the NWS.

No mud or debris flows were reported in the areas, which were offered sandbags from the Los Angeles County Fire Stations to protect vulnerable areas and line properties.

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff officials said it received no reports of damages following the storm; however, the rainfall did effect residents on the freeways.

Los Angeles County saw a surge in traffic collisions Monday from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. with 185 crashes reported in the Los Angeles California Highway Patrol jurisdiction, according to CHP.

No storms are expected to hit the Santa Clarita Valley for the remainder of the week.  NWS forecast predicts at least six days of sunshine in the valley, starting Tuesday.

Future preparation

Hills in the burn areas are still susceptible to sudden water, mud and debris slides.

Residents are encouraged to visit their local Los Angeles County Fire Station if they have questions and concerns and to review the department’s “READY!  SET!  GO!” guide to help plan for evacuations and emergencies.

Homeowners can also review the Los Angeles County Department of Public Work’s booklet titled “The Homeowner’s Guide for Flood, Debris and Erosion Control” to identify measures to protect structures and properties from flooding and debris flow.

For information about preparing for future rainfall, visit the city of Santa Clarita’s Ready for Rain website.

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