Rain and windstorm debris could create a mess, officials warn

As rains beat down on the Southland on Monday, officials warned residents to reduce the risk of flooding by clearing debris from storm drains that collected during the recent windstorm.

The National Weather Service warned that the winter storm sweeping Los Angeles County on Monday could create drainage problems in parts of the San Gabriel Valley, where many trees toppled or lost limbs in the hurricane-force winds.

The city of Pasadena issued a warning to residents about the debris, asking them to clear a path for water to reach storm drains.

Pasadena has set up drop-off sites for green debris at Eaton Blanche Park, 3100 E. Del Mar Blvd., and Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. The sites, reserved for Pasadena residents, are open every day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday.

La Cañada also warned its residents last week to clear as much debris as possible ahead of the storm. Property owners were urged to put windstorm debris in green waste carts for trash hauler pick-up. Haulers will also take extra windstorm debris in bundles and private containers on regular pick-up days through Dec. 16.

The winter storm is expected to last through Tuesday, bringing snow to the mountains and rain to lower-lying areas.

In the Glendale-Pasadena region, a chance of thunderstorms could also bring hail, according to the weather service.

Sunny skies are expected to return on Wednesday, but another rain storm is in the forecast for Thursday.

-- Abbey Sewell, Los Angeles Times, and Jason Wells, Times Community News

Twitter: @JasonBretWells

Photo: Crews remove toppled trees throughout Pasadena, like this one on the 500 block of N. Daisy Ave. in Pasadena on Friday, December 2, 2011. Credit: Raul Roa/Staff Photographer