Los Angeles, California — Even as evacuation warnings have been lifted across much of the Greater Los Angeles area, flash flood and mudslide concerns remain elevated this weekend as heavy rain continues to fall over recent wildfire burn scars, including areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires earlier this year.
Forecasters warn that unstable hillsides and scarred terrain significantly increase the risk of debris flows, especially during bursts of intense rainfall.
Flood watches remain in effect despite easing conditions
The National Weather Service confirmed that while the worst rainfall moved through by lunchtime Thursday, flood watches remain active across Southern California.
Meteorologists cautioned that even lighter rain can quickly trigger dangerous runoff in burn scar zones, where vegetation that once stabilized slopes has been destroyed.
Flash flooding, debris flows, and mudslides remain possible through wildfire burn areas, the National Weather Service warned.
Rain totals climb across Southern California
Rainfall totals varied significantly by location, with Ventura County recording the heaviest precipitation early Thursday.
According to the NWS:
- Ventura County: Up to 4.85 inches of rain reported in Ortega Hill
- Los Angeles: About 1.21 inches in Bel Air
- Downtown Los Angeles: Just under 1 inch of rain
Forecasters say rainfall amounts were enough to saturate soils, increasing runoff risks even after the heaviest rain subsided.
More rain expected through Friday
Weather models indicate another widespread 1 to 2 inches of rain is likely across much of Southern California through Friday. In mountain and foothill regions, totals could climb to 2 to 5 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
These areas include steep terrain that drains rapidly into nearby communities, raising concerns for localized flooding and road closures.
Road closures due to flood risk
As conditions deteriorated, the California Highway Patrol closed a 3.6-mile stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard (State Route 27) from the coast inland toward the Santa Monica Mountains.
The closure will remain until further notice as officials monitor slope stability, runoff, and debris flow potential. Drivers are urged to avoid canyon roads during storm conditions, as they are especially vulnerable to rockslides and sudden flooding.
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Larger storm system approaching Northern and Central California
Looking ahead, forecasters are tracking a larger and potentially more impactful storm expected to arrive in Northern and Central California from Friday into Saturday.
This system could bring:
- Gusty winds
- Heavy rainfall
- Another round of mountain snow
The Sierra Nevada is expected to see accumulating snow, while lower elevations face flooding concerns.
Coastal California under extended flood risk
Nearly the entire California coastline is now under a low-end flash flood risk stretching from Redding through San Francisco and south to Santa Barbara.
Forecasters say the extended duration of storms — rather than just intensity — is a key concern, as repeated rain events can overwhelm drainage systems and destabilize terrain over several days.
Why burn scars remain especially dangerous
Experts stress that wildfire burn scars dramatically change how landscapes respond to rain. Without vegetation to absorb water, rainfall runs off quickly, carrying mud, ash, rocks, and debris downhill at dangerous speeds.
Residents living below burn areas are urged to:
- Stay alert for emergency alerts
- Avoid driving during heavy rain
- Be prepared to move to higher ground if conditions worsen
Even after evacuation warnings are lifted, officials say conditions can change rapidly.
What residents should do next
Emergency officials recommend that Southern Californians continue to monitor local forecasts and heed any updated warnings through the weekend. Small creeks, urban streets, and canyon roads can become hazardous with little notice.
While a brief lull is possible between storms, authorities emphasize that the flood threat is not over — especially with another storm system already on the way.
Have you experienced flooding or road closures during this round of storms? Share your location and conditions in the comments, and help others stay informed as California weathers another challenging stretch of winter storms.
