Southern California Rainstorm Prompts Evacuations After Wildfires: ‘Be Prepared To Leave Immediately’

Parts of California contending with the aftermath of devastating wildfires will have to contend with more danger from Mother Nature, time, in the form of rain storms. A rainstorm that hit the southern portion of the state Monday was expected to intensify in the coming hours, prompting evacuations in areas burned by wildfires.

The rain was expected to continue into Wednesday. The storm was expected to be the largest to hit the area since February 2017, according to AccuWeather. Los Angeles County, Santa Barbara County and Ventura County were expected to see the most rain.

Authorities said areas burned through by recent fires were in danger of mudslides. Communities in Santa Barbara County, beneath burn areas, were ordered to evacuate, according to the Los Angeles Times. Some evacuation orders were mandatory while others were voluntary.

“People in these areas should stay alert to changing conditions and be prepared to leave immediately at your own discretion if the situation worsens,” Santa Barbara County said in a statement.

Those who lived in Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria, areas hard hit by December wildfires, were ordered to evacuate their homes. Towns north of Highway 101 in Santa Barbara County were in the most danger, KPCC radio reported, citing the United States Geological Survey of mudslide risks. Kagel Canyon, which was hit by December’s Creek Fire, was also in danger. Anyone who lived in areas impacted by recent wildfires was urged to check the map of mudslide risk released by the USGS.

“The foothill and mountain areas, especially areas facing south and west, will receive the heaviest rain with three to six inches possible,” “This may lead to flooding and debris flows, especially near burn-scar areas.”

Despite the potential for severe flooding, California is in need of rain. The entirety of the southern portion of the state was expecting a moderate drought or was “abnormally dry,” according to AccuWeather. The rain could also end wildfire season ahead of schedule.