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The first drops of rain in ten months came in LA on January 25.
26 Jan 2025

Finally after ten months of drought: rain helps LA firefighters - but also the risk of mudslides and toxic runoffs

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Photo by Sten Ulfsson
The first drops of rain in Los Angeles came after ten months of drought on January 25th. 

As of Saturday, January 25, 2025, Los Angeles is experiencing its first significant rainfall of the year, and more importantly, the first real rain in ten months.  Forecasts predict that the city and surrounding areas could receive up to 1.5 inches of rain over the weekend. 

Reuters

While this rainfall offers relief to regions recently affected by wildfires by moistening dry vegetation and aiding firefighting efforts, it also presents potential hazards. The primary concern is the increased risk of mudslides and debris flows, especially in areas where fires have stripped the hillsides of stabilizing vegetation. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches for Los Angeles County, highlighting the potential for flash floods and debris flows in burn scar areas. 

Additionally, heavy downpours can lead to toxic ash runoff from charred hillsides, contaminating waterways and posing environmental hazards. Los Angeles County crews have been proactive in removing vegetation, shoring up slopes, and reinforcing roads in devastated areas to mitigate these risks. 

AP News

 

Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to remain vigilant, heed evacuation orders if issued, and stay informed through official channels as conditions evolve.

New York Post

Rain could bring relief - and mudslides, flooding - to fire-ravaged LA

Today

WSJ

California Emergency Workers Are Battling a New and Potentially Deadly Threat: Mudslides

Today

 

Photo by Sten UlfssonImage removed.

AP News

Rain on the way to Southern California will aid firefighters but create a risk of toxic ash runoff

Today

 

Recent rainfall in Los Angeles has provided both benefits and challenges in the context of ongoing wildfire management.

Benefits for Firefighting:

  • Enhanced Fire Suppression: The precipitation has aided firefighters by moistening vegetation and reducing the risk of new fire ignitions. This natural assistance has been crucial in areas recently affected by wildfires, such as the Palisades and Eaton fires.

    AP News

Associated Risks:

  • Mudslides and Debris Flows: The rain poses a significant threat of mudslides and debris flows, especially in regions where vegetation has been stripped away by fires. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches for Los Angeles County, highlighting the potential for flash floods and debris flows in burn scar areas. 

    Fox Weather

     

  • Toxic Ash Runoff: Heavy downpours can lead to toxic ash runoff from charred hillsides, contaminating waterways and posing environmental hazards. Los Angeles County crews have been proactive in removing vegetation, shoring up slopes, and reinforcing roads in devastated areas to mitigate these risks. 

    KQED

     

  • Infrastructure Damage: The combination of rain and unstable terrain increases the likelihood of infrastructure damage, including road washouts and compromised utility lines, which can hinder recovery efforts and pose safety risks to residents.

Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant, heed evacuation orders if issued, and stay informed through official channels as conditions evolve.

Rainfall in Southern California: Benefits and Risks Amid Wildfires

AP News

Rain on the way to Southern California will aid firefighters but create a risk of toxic ash runoff

New York Post

Rain could bring relief - and mudslides, flooding - to fire-ravaged LA

WSJ

California Emergency Workers Are Battling a New and Potentially Deadly Threat: Mudslides