The National Weather Service issued a flood advisory at 6:00 AM through 9:00 AM, Thursday, December 6, 2018 for the Woolsey and Hill Burn Areas in eastern Ventura County western Los Angeles County. NWS anticipates a band of moderate rain moving towards the Woolsey and Hill Burn Areas (Malibu and Malibu unincorporated, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Camarillo), producing rainfall rates between 0.25 and 0.40 inches per hour. Storm total rainfall now increased to 0.50 and 1.50 inches across Los Angeles and eastern Ventura counties, with local amounts over 2.00 inches across higher terrain.
Mostly light to moderate shower activity but brief heavy downpours. Additional shower activity offshore is expected to move into the burn areas through mid morning Thursday. Slight chance of thunderstorms across the coastal waters and LA basin including potential small hail, gusty winds, and waterspouts. NWS states that these types of rainfall rates will be capable of producing rockslides, mudslides, and minor debris flows, especially across PCH, Kanan Rd, Malibu Canyon Rd and other canyon roads in the burn area.
Weather Forecast from National Weather Service
Storm Preparation
The City continues to monitor storm conditions and crews are patrolling and clearing roads of rocks and debris, clearing storm drains and culverts to prevent flooding, and has pre-placed heavy equipment at areas sensitive to flooding and debris flows. Sheriffs Volunteers On Patrol (VOP) are also assisting with patrolling City streets and reporting issues.
Storm events, mud and debris flows are a very real and dangerous threat to the communities affected by the Woolsey fire. Due to an increased probability of mud and debris flows in these fire areas, it is important to plan and prepare. Prepare for possible lack of water, power and natural gas, non-functional traffic signals, and roads that may be impassable.
Mud and debris flows can have a devastating impact, including loss of life and home. Residents are urged to prepare for possible evacuations. Evacuation orders should not be taken lightly and are ordered because there is a threat to life and property.
Due to the potential for outages in parts of Malibu, it is possible that residents may not receive emergency alerts. Please monitor storm conditions on local news radio, and if possible, the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/lox. If heavy rain persists, do not wait for evacuation orders - leave early.
Sandbags
Residents can pick up free, empty sandbags at Malibu area fire stations. The City ban on plastic sandbags is temporarily suspended.
Station #70 - 3970 Carbon Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
Station #71 - 28722 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Station #88 - 23720 Malibu Rd, Malibu, CA 90265
Station #99 - 32550 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Zuma Beach Lifeguard Headquarters - pre-filled sandbags available
Stay away from flood control channels, catch basins, canyons and natural waterways, which are susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rain.
Check on your neighbors, particularly those who are elderly or live alone. People who live on gated properties should leave gates open to prevent mud and debris from locking them in, and to ensure access for emergency responders. Move trashcans and cars off the street to help prevent flooding.
Road Hazards
Based on mud, debris, and other hazards, roads throughout the burn areas are subject to intermittent closures due to mud and debris flow. Use extreme caution as you drive through these areas. Watch for slippery road conditions and follow posted warnings and speed signs.
On the roads, be cautious of emergency, utility and work crews and vehicles. Approach all intersections with caution, traffic signals may be out due to storm-related power outages. Never drive into moving water. If you become isolated, seek the highest ground available and wait for help. If flooding traps you in your car, stay inside. If the water rises higher, wait on top of your car for assistance. Do not step into moving water around your car. If you see someone who has been swept into moving water, do not enter the water and attempt a rescue. Call 911 for emergency rescue personnel and, if possible, throw them a flotation device.
Burn Debris Removal
Do not attempt to remove burn debris before the rain. Burn debris contains hazardous materials that can threaten public health. No debris removal from burned properties is allowed until inspections by state and county health officials have been completed and properties have been approved for debris removal. Burn debris must be properly inspected and disposed of.
Utilities
Know how to shut off utilities. Beware of water around electricity, including downed power lines, generators, electric appliances, and your home electrical system. There may be intermittent power outages and associated street closures as power is restored throughout the impacted areas. For current power outages, visit SCE outage center page at https://www.sce.com/outage-center.
For safety reasons, customers should never attempt to restore natural gas service themselves. For questions about the service restoration process or about natural gas service, contact SoCalGas at 877-238-0092 or visit https://www.socalgas.com/newsroom/fires.
Flood Insurance
Find out if you have flood insurance and what your existing policy covers. Call your insurance agent or contact the National Flood Insurance Program Call Center (NFIP) at 800-621-3362 for information about the NFIP or questions about an existing policy or visit the FEMA website at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program.
LA County Storm Preparation Resource
Visit www.lacounty.gov/larain for storm season emergency resources, including LA County’s Homeowners Guide to Flood, Debris and Erosion Control.
Weather Forecast and Advisories
National Weather Service LA/Oxnard: https://www.weather.gov/lox.
Interactive Map of Potential Debris Flow Hazard Areas
https://landslides.usgs.gov/hazards/postfire_debrisflow/detail.php?objectid=251
Road Closures
For current road closures, visit https://dpw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures/.
Social Media
Los Angeles County Fire Department - Twitter @LACoFDPIO
Los Angeles County Sheriff Department - Twitter @LASDHQ
Los Angeles County Public Works - Twitter @LACoPublicWorks
City of Malibu - Twitter - @CityMalibu
City of Malibu - Facebook - @CityofMalibu
MAP OF BURN AREA AND POTENTIAL FLOODING AND MUDSLIDE HAZARDS - See the interactive online map
