Burned Areas Face Possibility of Flooding

With sporadic rainstorms expected to hit Southern California today and throughout the week, residents near areas scorched by recent wildfires were warned to brace for possible flash floods.

The National Weather Service on Tuesday issued a flash flood watch until midnight tonight. Forecasters predict an inch and a half of rain in the foothills, with the heaviest occurring from early afternoon today into early evening.

Flash flooding is possible, especially in steep canyons and burn areas, weather officials said. Last fall’s wildfires put some neighborhoods at risk for flash floods, mud flows and debris flows even during moderate rainstorms.

A powerful Christmas Day storm caused flash floods that buried 15 people at campgrounds in San Bernardino County.

The San Bernardino County Department of Public Works and the county’s Flood Control District announced Tuesday that all of the county’s debris basins have been cleared since the Christmas storm.

Residents are advised to monitor storm developments closely and to devise a family disaster plan. They are also encouraged to protect their homes with sandbags or other flood control devices. The public can call the County Emergency Information Hotline at (909) 355-8800 for 24-hour weather updates.