UPDATED - Saturday, January 12, with storm forecast for Sunday - Thursday, Jan. 13-17.
The series of storms impacting Malibu continues Sunday night, Jan. 13, into Monday, and through Thursday, Jan. 17, bringing heavy rain and the possibility of mud and debris flows at the base of canyons and ravines, especially in the Woolsey Fire burn area. There is a chance of thunderstorms, especially in coastal areas, which can increase rainfall rates. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches, which could present road hazards and power outages. There is also a high surf advisory, with a risk of dangerous rip currents, coastal erosion and storm and fire debris in coastal waters, and a water quality advisory due to storm runoff.
Storm Forecast from national weather service
The next storm system has slowed down some and will start to bring some rain to the central coast Sunday afternoon, but not reaching the Thomas Fire until early Monday morning. Rain then spreads eastward to Los Angeles County on Monday with rainfall totals similar to our previous storm - around 1 to 2 inches with locally heavier amounts to 3 inches for the central coast through Monday night. There will be weak instability over the ocean where a few thunderstorms may occur. www.weather.gov/losangeles.
Sunday Night-Monday Night (Jan. 13-14): Rainfall totals: 1.0-2.0 inches with local amounts to 3.0 inches mainly from western Ventura County Mountains to the central coast. Rainfall amounts 0.50-1.0 inch over Los Angeles County. Peak rain rates: around 0.50 inch/hour and locally higher. Winds: Gusty E-SE winds to 45 mph central coast with higher winds possible for Santa Barbara County mountains.
Tuesday-Thursday (Jan. 15-17): Steady rain at times with embedded heavier downpours expected, especially Wednesday through Thursday. Rainfall totals: early estimates of 2.5-5 inches coasts/valleys with 5-8 inches for foothills and south-facing mountain slopes. Peak rain rates: very uncertain at this time. Winds: Potentially damaging S-SW winds late Wednesday night to Thursday.
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.
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.
See the National Weather Service LA/Oxnard's detailed storm forecast presentation.
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).
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 