The City of Los Angeles has issued an evacuation warning for multiple hillside and wildfire burn-scar areas as another storm system is expected to move into Southern California this weekend.
City officials announced that the evacuation warning will take effect at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 3, urging residents in high-risk zones to prepare for the possibility of rapid evacuations due to potential debris flows, mudslides, and flash flooding.
Areas Under Evacuation Warning
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the warning applies to the following LAFD zones:
- 1081, 1083, 1085, 1087, 1089
- 1091, 1092, 1093, 1095, 1096, 1097
- Zone 0891 in the Mandeville Canyon area
- Hurst Fire burn area: LFD 0001-B
- Sunset Fire burn area: LFD 0835
These locations include neighborhoods with steep terrain and areas that were recently impacted by wildfires, making them particularly vulnerable when heavy rain falls.
Why the Risk Is High
Officials warned that intense rainfall forecast for Saturday could overwhelm soil that has been destabilized by recent fires. Burn scars often lose vegetation that normally helps hold the ground together, increasing the risk of:
- Mudslides
- Debris flows carrying rocks, ash, and tree remnants
- Sudden road closures and blocked evacuation routes
Even moderate rainfall can cause dangerous conditions in these areas, and debris flows can occur with little warning.
What Residents Are Being Asked to Do
City officials are urging residents in the affected zones to take precautions now rather than wait until conditions deteriorate. Recommended steps include:
- Preparing emergency “go bags” with essentials
- Identifying evacuation routes in advance
- Staying informed through official city and weather alerts
- Avoiding travel through canyons and hillside roads during heavy rain
- Being ready to evacuate immediately if an order is issued
Authorities stressed that an evacuation warning is not mandatory, but it signals that conditions could escalate quickly depending on rainfall intensity.
Storm Timing and Outlook
The incoming storm system is expected to reach parts of Southern California on Saturday, bringing periods of steady rain and possible heavier downpours. Emergency crews will be monitoring rainfall totals and slope stability throughout the event.
Officials noted that evacuation warnings could be upgraded to mandatory evacuation orders if conditions worsen or if rainfall exceeds forecast levels.
How to Stay Updated
Residents are encouraged to monitor:
- Local emergency alerts
- City of Los Angeles and LAFD official channels
- Weather advisories throughout the weekend
Emergency services emphasized that early preparation can save lives, especially in fire-scarred areas where debris flows can move quickly and with significant force.
As Southern California continues to face the combined effects of wildfire recovery and winter storms, city leaders say vigilance and readiness remain critical during this storm system.
