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The original item was published from 1/16/2019 2:12:00 PM to 1/16/2019 5:47:47 PM.

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Posted on: January 16, 2019

[ARCHIVED] Strong Rain Storms Continue in Malibu Wed - Thurs. Prepare for Potential Flooding and Mudslides

Winter storm newsflash

UPDATED -  Wednesday, January 16, 2:00 PM, with storm forecast for Monday - Thursday, Jan. 13-17.  

A large storm system is currently impacting the Malibu area. Peak rainfall rates of .5 - .75 are expected between 5 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 17, and gusty winds of 35 – 50 mph. Be prepared for possible flooding, shallow mud and debris flows, dangerous road conditions, falling tree branches, power outages and evacuations, especially in the Woolsey Fire burn area. The high surf advisory remains in effect causing dangerous rip currents, coastal erosion and flooding. 

Evacuations remain in place for specific properties at high risk of mud and debris flows. Residents have been directly notified by LA County Sheriff's Deputies and were sent e-notifications from the City.

See current detailed storm report from the National Weather Service.

See detailed maps of the areas in Malibu that are at risk for post-fire flooding, mudslides and debris flows on the City's Flood Vulnerability Maps page.

Fire Dept Augmented Staffing 

The Los Angeles County Fire Dept will begin augmented staffing in Malibu in anticipation of the upcoming predicted rain activity, including a swift water team at Station 70 and swift water helicopter team at the County Fire Camp; Additional patrols at Station 70 in Malibu, as well as Stations 65 (Agoura),  67 (Monte Nido),  and 144 (Westlake); a bulldozer team at Station 65 (Agoura); and a Batallion Chief at Station 89 in Agoura. All staffing is subject to change based upon conditions.  

Sheriff Patrols

Members of the Malibu Search and Rescue Team are patrolling the Woolsey Fire burn zone to check on residents to be sure they are prepared for the upcoming storms and that they have a plan for the possibility of flooding, mudslides or debris flows.

City Storm Preparations

As part of its storm preparation plan, 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, placing temporarily concrete k-rails to prevent flooding and debris flows, and has pre-placed heavy equipment at areas sensitive to flooding and debris flows. Sheriffs Volunteers On Patrol (VOP) assist with patrolling City streets and reporting issues. The City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Staff is on standby and the EOC will be activated if conditions warrant.  

During storm events, flooding, 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 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. Evacuate early to reduce traffic congestion out of Malibu.

Due to potential storm-related power outages, 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. 

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.

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 storm relate power outages. For current power outages, visit SCE outage center page at https://www.sce.com/outage-center.  

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.

Road Closures 

For continued information on road closures and evacuations visit:https://tinyurl.com/ycbwpdjb. (Enter an address to search for a specific location).

Sign UP for Malibu Alerts & E-Notifications

Emergency, traffic, weather, utility alerts - MalibuCity.org/News

Disaster notifications (for evacuations) - MalibuCity.org/DisasterNotifications

General non-emergency post-Woolsey Fire E-Notifications - MalibuCity.org/WoolseyAlerts

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


INFOGRAPHIC ON POST-FIRE FLOOD PREPARATION FEMA Infographic Flood After Fire

Flood Hazards Maps Web Page
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