A procession of back-to-back winter rain storms has been pummeling Malibu throughout the month of January 2019, bringing inches of rain to areas burned in the recent Woolsey Fire—as well as Hill, Thomas and other fire burn areas elsewhere up the coast. But despite dire predictions, precautionary road and school closures—and perhaps thanks to round-the-clock work from city, county and state employees—the catastrophic flooding, mudslides and debris flows predicted had not materialized by Tuesday night.
The most recent string of winter storms began over the weekend and predictions for total rainfall rose up to five inches, brought along by various storms expected to hit Malibu through Thursday night, Jan. 17.
Pacific Coast Highway was closed in both directions between Las Posas Road in Oxnard and Trancas Canyon Road in Malibu for a few hours Monday “as a precaution” against damage due to some flooding. “There’s significant mud and rockslides, specifically around Deer Creek Road and Yerba Buena,” Caltrans spokesperson Jim Medina told The Malibu Times Monday afternoon. The roadway re-opened later that same day.
By Monday evening, mandatory evacuations for homes in several Malibu neighborhoods were announced, to begin at 8 a.m. Tuesday; those evacuations remained in effect by the time The Malibu Times went to print late Tuesday night. The evacuations were announced during a Malibu City Council meeting.
“You cannot escape mudflow,” City Manager Reva Feldman cautioned at the time of the announcement. “You need to think this through. Please. Think this through and protect your family.”
Law enforcement from as far away as San Bernardino County were reportedly in Malibu assisting with evacuations, according to witnesses. The Malibu Search and Rescue Team reported the Montrose Search and Rescue Team was in Malibu Tuesday to assist with possible rescues—but it was “so far, so good” by Tuesday mid-day. All Malibu public schools were closed “in an abundance of caution” on both Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati, with rain expected to continue in waves through about 10 p.m. Thursday night.
In addition to schools closing, the Disaster Recovery Center at the Malibu Courthouse was closed due to rain on Wednesday. Malibu Senior Center events were cancelled through Thursday.
Storm safety
There is a heightened level of danger in the Woolsey Fire burn area during rainfall due to possible mud and debris flow. As such, the city advises residents to create a plan and prepare in the case of evacuation.
Sign up for emergency alerts from the city at malibucity.org/news. To keep up to date on the latest weather conditions, visit the National Weather Service website at weather.gov/lox. “If heavy rain persists, do not wait for evacuation orders – leave early,” an online statement from the city read.
An evacuation plan should “identify a primary exit route and a secondary exit route, ensuring your vehicle has enough gas and working wipers,” according to LA County. A go-bag consisting of items such as medication, documents, clothing and food should be within reach in the case of evacuation.
In the case of heavy rain, people should avoid natural waterways, canyons, catch basins—places susceptible to flooding. Obstacles such as trash cans and cars should be moved off the street to help prevent flooding. Those residing in gated homes/neighborhoods should keep gates open to avoid mud accumulation.
Residents can pick up free sandbags at the following local fire stations:
*Station #70—3970 Carbon Canyon Road
*Station #71—28722 Pacific Coast Highway
*Station #88—23720 Malibu Road
*Station #99—32550 Pacific Coast Highway
*Zuma Beach Lifeguard Headquarters—pre-filled sandbags available
When evacuating, be on the lookout hazards including mud and debris on the roadway. For an updated list of closures, visit tinyurl.com/ycbwpdjb. Do not drive or walk in moving water.
A statement shared by the City of Malibu reads: “If flooding traps you in your car, stay inside. If the water rises higher, wait on top of your car for assistance.”
If there is no time to evacuate, seek higher ground.
For additional information and safety tips, visit lacounty.gov/larain. For city-specific updates, visit malibucity.org/alerts. This week, the City of Malibu’s Emergency Operation Center is available at all hours as the rain event persists. To report any issues or inquire about storm-related issues, call City Hall at 310.456.2489.
Additionally, The Malibu Times will provide weather and traffic-related updates on our website (malibutimes.com) and social media.
