KCRA, LARRY PRICE, CNN
By Karina Tsui, CNN
(CNN) — A powerful storm in March has been battering the West Coast and is now moving south, particularly endangering communities that were devastated by the lethal Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year.
This marks the second major storm crossing the country in a few weeks, potentially bringing heavy rain, strong winds, snow, and drought conditions to various regions.
Evacuation alerts were issued for select areas in Los Angeles County on Wednesday, with Mayor Karen Bass cautioning that burn scars from January’s fires are particularly vulnerable to debris flow and stormwater runoff due to the anticipated rainfall, which could also involve hazardous materials.
“As we brace for another storm approaching LA, I want to remind Angelenos to remain alert, especially in areas affected by burns,” Bass stated in a statement. “My foremost responsibility is ensuring the safety of Angelenos, so please adhere to all evacuation notices, stay aware, and stay informed.”
“The danger of mudslides and landslides is significant,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger during a news conference Wednesday, emphasizing that fire-affected communities “must remain vigilant.”
The Los Angeles Police Department provided evacuation orders to 133 residences on Wednesday, according to the mayor.
More than 20 million residents across Southern California are currently under flood watches until Thursday afternoon, with the Weather Prediction Center issuing a level 2 out of 4 warning for excessive rainfall in parts of the area.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services announced on Wednesday that they have deployed rescue teams and equipment in 11 counties, including Los Angeles County, anticipating heavy storm effects.
Additionally, 24-hour, 360-degree live-stream cameras have been installed in burn scar areas for public monitoring of potential debris flow threats.
A shelter-in-place order has been established in Santa Barbara for locations associated with the Lake Fire burn scar, with the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management advising residents to retreat to the “innermost room or higher ground such as a second floor” in case of debris flows or rockslides.
Mudslides to hit community just hit by intense flooding last month
Residents in Sierra Madre, located just east of Pasadena, prepared to evacuate their homes on Wednesday after authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders.
This city of 11,000, which was affected last month by a severe thunderstorm that caused mud to rush down nearby hills and roads, is once again under warning for potential mudslides due to the approaching storm.
Residents from Sierra Madre, previously impacted by the Eaton Fire in January, recounted to CNN affiliate KCAL/KCBS that February’s mudslides caused significant damage to homes, leading them to take extra precautions this time around.
Derek Sample, a local resident, constructed temporary barriers with wood sheets outside his residence.
“We’re fortifying it to prevent more mud from entering the garage,” Sample shared with KCAL/KCBS.
“It’s been challenging, but we have such a supportive community and fantastic neighbors,” he said. “I wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else.”
The broader repercussions of the storm
This is the second significant storm to pass through the country in recent weeks, following last week’s blizzard that closed highways, stranded vehicles, and caused crashes in multiple states.
The current storm is expected to extend across most of the nation, impacting the eastern U.S. and bringing severe thunderstorms and blizzard conditions.
This storm’s effects will continue throughout California on Thursday and will also reach the Rockies. Winter weather advisories are in effect for the mountainous regions of Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, where snowfall could reach up to 2 feet.
Wind gusts of up to 50 mph are also anticipated, potentially complicating travel and resulting in power outages in those areas.
By Friday, the storm is predicted to bring severe weather to the Central U.S. The Southern Plains and specific areas of the Southwest, which have faced fire hazards this week, will encounter stronger winds and dryer air, exacerbating ongoing drought conditions.
A severe storm threat rated level 4 out of 5 has been issued for Friday across parts of the Mississippi Valley, extending to the Lower Ohio and Tennessee valleys, based on CNN weather analysis. There’s a possibility of intense tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, and significant hail from western Alabama to central Iowa, impacting cities like Jackson, Memphis, Nashville, and Des Moines.
The risk of tornadoes, strong winds, and hail will also extend from the Gulf Coast of Louisiana to the border between Wisconsin and Michigan, affecting Milwaukee, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, and New Orleans.
The storm, which started impacting Northern California on Wednesday, has caused minor flooding in Alameda County, with rainfall recorded up to 2 inches across numerous areas, including greater San Francisco and Sacramento.
Wind gusts have surged as high as 60 mph, resulting in downed trees and widespread power outages for thousands. Thankfully, the most severe effects appear to have passed, with wind alerts lifted for San Francisco and expected to expire for Sacramento on Thursday morning.
This story has been updated with additional information.
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CNN’s Robert Shackelford contributed to this report.
