Southern California woke up to urgent alerts Saturday morning as a strong Pacific storm drenched the region, triggering flash flood warnings and evacuation notices across Malibu, Los Angeles, Glendale, and Santa Clarita.
The National Weather Service (NWS) first issued a flash flood warning for Malibu, reporting that flooding was already underway in parts of southwestern Los Angeles County. More warnings followed soon after, all set to expire at noon.
City Officials: “Avoid Moving Water and Stay Away from Downed Lines”
Malibu authorities urged residents to move to higher ground immediately, avoid walking or driving through any floodwaters, and steer clear of fallen power lines. With rain expected to continue throughout the day, officials emphasized listening to evacuation instructions and staying alert for fast-changing conditions.
Los Angeles County also issued evacuation warnings for multiple burn-scar zones — including Canyon, Bethany, Eaton, Palisades, Hurst, Kenneth, Sunset, Lidia, Franklin, Bridge, Agua, Owen, Land, and Fish — through early Sunday.
Residents in these areas are advised to pack essentials, prepare pets, and be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Officials especially encouraged older adults, families with small children, and anyone needing extra time to consider evacuating early.
Separate Evacuation Orders remain active for specific high-risk properties. Deputies are going door-to-door to alert residents about the increased risk of mud and debris flows.
Storm Expected to Intensify — Up to Half an Inch in 30 Minutes
Forecasters warn that Saturday will bring the storm’s heaviest rainfall, with some locations potentially seeing up to half an inch in just half an hour. The system is unusually strong, capable of triggering:
- Flash flooding
- Mudslides
- Debris flows
- Road closures
- Rockslides
- Isolated lightning
Malibu has expanded sandbag distribution at several locations, including Fire Station 70, Camp 13, Zuma Beach’s main entrance, and the Malibu Library, where staff are assisting residents. Only burlap and jute sandbags are allowed — plastic bags remain prohibited.
“We Have Hours of Rain Ahead”
KTLA meteorologist Kacey Montoya warned that the downpour isn’t ending anytime soon.
“Heavy rain to come today… we have hours of this expected,” she said. “Some of us will get a nice break this afternoon, but if you think you’re done — no. More heavy rain will come.”
Residents are urged to stay prepared as the atmospheric river fueling this storm continues to pour moisture into the region.
A Storm Fueled by an Atmospheric River
This powerful storm began in Northern and Central California on Thursday, dropping 1–2 inches of rain along the coast and as much as 3–5 inches in the coastal mountains.
San Francisco alone picked up nearly 1.5 inches—almost 75% of its typical rainfall for all of November.
Southern California is now seeing the most dangerous phase of the system:
- Much of Los Angeles is under a Level 3 of 4 flooding risk
- Rainfall rates may hit 1 inch per hour
- Ground already saturated from earlier rain increases flood potential
- Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds or hail are possible
Burn Scars at Highest Risk
Areas recently burned by wildfires are especially vulnerable. Without vegetation to absorb water — and with soil hardened into a water-repellent layer — rainfall can quickly trigger destructive mudslides and debris flows.
Stay Updated
Residents can monitor evacuation maps and alerts here:
- Evacuation zones: protect.genasys.com
- Weather updates: Weather.gov/LOX
- Emergency notifications: MalibuCity.org/News and Ready.LACounty.gov
Authorities strongly urge Southern Californians to stay alert, stay indoors if possible, and be ready to evacuate quickly if conditions worsen.
