Editor’s note: The National Weather Service announced rain will also be coming this week, from Wednesday-Thursday, Nov. 28-29. NWS expects Malibu will receive 1-1.5 inches of rain.
The National Weather Service is warning rain will be coming to Woolsey Fire burn areas Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 21-22—and the City of Malibu and LA County are working hard to get residents prepared for the worst. The rain is scheduled to arrive just 12 days after the fire tore through the western half of Malibu, destroying an estimated 600 homes (a number that remains unconfirmed).
On everyone’s mind when it comes to rain are the Montecito Mudslides that occurred in January 2018, which brought down hillsides freshly burned by the Thomas Fire in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Those mudslides killed 21 residents and led to the closure of the 101 Freeway for weeks afterward.
Weather predictions as of Tuesday evening indicated rain would likely not be enough to cause widespread destruction, but Malibu officials are warning residents to not take any chances.
“At this time, rainfall is generally expected to be light to moderate with this storm, but in the Woolsey Fire area, there is a strong possibility of rockslides and mudslides, especially along PCH, canyon roads, and areas near Malibu Creek,” according to an advisory published by the City of Malibu.
The city warned new evacuation orders may be necessary to certain areas of town. “All residents are urged to comply with any such evacuation orders and evacuate the area as quickly as possible,” the alert read. “Residents with limited connectivity who may not receive alerts should consider pre-evacuating.”
Pre-filled sandbags are available to Malibu residents, according to the city, at: PCH and Heathercliff, PCH and Webb Way, and Zuma Beach.
Los Angeles County officials provided a list of bullet points for residents, to help them prepare for rainfall:
- Burn area residents can pick up empty sandbags at their local fire stations.
- Visit: lacounty.gov/larain for storm season emergency resources, including LA County’s Homeowners Guide to Flood, Debris and Erosion Control.
- Know how to shut off all utilities. Remember, water and electricity do not mix.
- Flowing water is an instant danger zone. Stay away from flood control channels, catch basins, canyons and natural waterways, which are susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rain.
- Do not attempt to cross the flooded areas and never enter moving water.
- If you become isolated, seek the highest ground available and wait for help.
- If flooding traps you in your car, stay inside. If the water rises higher, wait on top of your car for assistance. Do not step into moving water around your car.
- If you see someone who has been swept into moving water, do not enter the water and attempt a rescue. Call 911 for emergency rescue personnel and, if possible, throw them a flotation device.
- Be ready to go when told to evacuate.
The City of Malibu provided further guidance.
In anticipation of possible evacuations, residents should also be mindful of the following to protect their property:
- Leave gates open
- Keep parked vehicles away from potential slide areas
- Make sure trash cans are not left on streets
The city also suggested drivers “should allow extra time and be prepared for significant travel delays if road closures develop. Motorists should also be aware of rocks and other debris in the roads, particularly along PCH and canyon roads, and proceed with extreme caution.”
Malibu roadways have a history of closure due to mud and rock slides, including a notable closure of Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County at Point Mugu, where the road remained closed for two months from 2014-15.
In the event of road closures or evacuations, The Malibu Times will publish alerts on Twitter at @themalibutimes and at facebook.com/malibutimes.