The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch and high surf advisory in effect in LA County, including Malibu, Friday morning, through Saturday afternoon due to the current storm. Heavy rain, wind, hazardous road and sea conditions forecast for LA County and Malibu through Saturday, February 25. Rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour are possible, especially in foothills and mountains, with 2-5” totals in valleys and coasts.
For detailed local weather information, visit NWS LA/Oxnard.
Loose debris and rain can also cause unexpected outages. Southern California Edison offers tips to stay prepared for potential outages during severe storms.
Please be cautious on the road and be ready for potentially hazardous driving conditions including water, mud, rocks and debris in the roadway and low visibility, and possible power outages and traffic signal outages due downed power lines. Never approach or touch downed power lines – stay back, warn others and call 911. Under California law, always approach an intersection with a malfunctioning traffic signal as if it is an all-way stop sign – that means come to a complete stop.
City and County Public Works crews and Caltrans are monitoring PCH and canyon roads in Malibu for hazards, using bladetrucks to keep the roadways clear, checking and clearing drainage culverts and storm drains, and pre-placing equipment.
Sandbags are available at Los Angeles County Fire Stations. Call stations to find out if filled sandbags and sand are available: Station 88, Malibu Road – (310) 456-2812, Station 70, PCH & Carbon Canyon – (310) 456-2513, Station 71, PCH & Zumirez – (310) 457-2578, Station 99, PCH & Encinal Canyon Rd – (310) 457-3706, Station 72, 1832 Decker Rd – (310) 457-6186. Search for which locations in LA County have sand, sandbags and filled sandbags on the LA County Department of Public Works website.
Please do not remove sand from the beach to fill sandbags. Sand is crucial for beach habitats, and removing it from the beach is illegal in LA County. Plastic sandbags are prohibited in the City of Malibu (jute, burlap or other natural fiber bags are allowed).
The LA County Department of Public Health advises the public to avoid contact with ocean water near discharging rivers, creeks and storm drains within 72 hours of significant rainfall due to high levels of bacteria and pollution. Beach hazards may include rip currents, beach erosion, powerful surf, and debris in the water. Always swim near a staffed lifeguard station.
Monitor weather and emergency information on local news, and Sign up for weather, beach or emergency alerts via text or email from the City of Malibu at www.malibucity.org/news, scroll down to “Alert Center.” PLEASE NOTE – the City will send out “Utility Advisories” for power outages, “Weather Advisories” for weather information, and “Emergency Alerts” in case of an emergency that threatens lives and properties. All current City alerts are posted on the website. All emergency information will be posted on the City website and on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.