Southern California weather: Atmospheric river to bring storm, ‘high risk’ of flash flooding for some areas

People living in the Palisades Fire burn zone are on alert with the incoming storm prompting evacuation and flood warnings, as well as road closures.

The evacuation warning for the Palisades Fire burn scar — issued due to the threat of mudslides and debris flows — goes into effect at 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

Residents in Malibu and the surrounding communities are bracing for heavy rain, and for some, that may mean a quiet Christmas at home.

“If the roads close, I was saying to my husband this morning that if the roads close, we’re going to end up just probably staying home or maybe we’ll go over to Joffrey’s, because I would imagine they’ll get some cancellations over there,” said Teresa Legrove, who lives in Malibu Country Estates.

In the area, tarps line hillsides, k-rails remain in place and crews are reinforcing slopes and barriers to help prevent mudslides.

A meteorologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says communities near recent burn scars should be especially cautious.

“The potential is definitely there for a couple of mudslides, debris flows, particularly in areas that have seen wildfires in recent history,” NOAA meteorologist Kyle Wheeler said.

Even though classes aren’t in session, students are still on campus at Pepperdine University, where staff say they’re also preparing.

“We have close to 1,000 sandbags. We have about 500 sand and about 500 gravel, so we’re just making sure that we deploy those sandbags to make sure that there aren’t any slides, and that all the drains are taken care of,” said Sergia Pena.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says the city is also readying resources. In Pacific Palisades, 13,000 feet of k-rails remain in place, sandbags have been deployed, and the Los Angeles Fire Department is increasing staffing in case water rescues are needed.

Residents told Eyewitness News they are particularly concerned about potential road closures.

“I live up in Calabasas right now, so they’re, you know, they just give extra time, and that’s what I’m kind of doing too. I live in an apartment complex, so it’s not a real problem for me where I’m at, but I do see other areas where it can definitely be problematic, especially on PCH,” Paul Sullivan said.

Bass said sandbags are available at every fire station. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts at notifyla.org.