Southern California experienced its first significant winter storm over the weekend, bringing much-needed rain and pushing several major wildfires closer to containment. Despite the welcome rainfall, the threat of mudslides remains high, prompting authorities to issue flood watches and implement emergency measures. The storm follows a series of devastating fires, including the Eaton, Hughes, and Palisades fires, which have ravaged the region, claiming lives, destroying homes and businesses, and forcing widespread evacuations. While firefighters continue to battle the blazes, the rain offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against the wildfires.
The first significant winter storm of the season brought much-needed relief to Southern California over the weekend with showers, pushing several wildfires in the Los Angeles area closer to full containment. About a half-inch to an inch of rain is expected around the Los Angeles area by the end of Monday, with one to two inches of rain in the mountains, although higher elevations will see some snow.
However, the rain also brings the threat of mudslides as the National Weather Service has placed several burn areas under a flood watch through Monday. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order last week to expedite cleanup efforts and mitigate the environmental impacts of fire-related pollutants. LA County supervisors also approved an emergency motion to install flood-control infrastructure and expedite and remove sediment in fire-impacted areas. Most of Southern California is currently experiencing either 'extreme drought' or 'severe drought,' according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. \As the rain fell, authorities continued to monitor the blazes that have ravaged the region. FOX 11's live blog provided updates on the status of various fires: SkyFOX captured footage of a mudslide on Pacific Drive located within the Palisades Fire burn scar. Crews were approaching full containment of the Eaton Fire that devastated Altadena and the San Gabriel Valley, with the fire reaching 98% containment, having burned 14,021 acres. The Palisades Fire, which tore through the Pacific Palisades and other parts of West Los Angeles, was 94% contained, having burned 23,448 acres, according to Cal Fire. Overnight numbers indicated that the Hughes Fire was 95% contained with 10,425 acres burned. FOX 11's Mario Ramirez reported from Woodland Hills where mud and debris flow occurred on Sunday. The Grapevine was closed in both directions due to snow, with the National Weather Service predicting snow levels would drop to mountain pass levels. \Several of the fires were fueled by extreme drought conditions and the supersized Santa Ana winds that whipped flames and embers at speeds up to 100 mph – much faster than usual. The Hughes Fire, first reported on Wednesday, Jan. 22 along Lake Hughes Road near Castaic Lake, exploded from 50 to 500 acres within an hour, prompting immediate evacuations and warnings. This included students who were relocated to other schools and locations. The first day of the firefight also caused a temporary closure of the Grapevine along the 5 Freeway. By the next day, several evacuation orders and warnings were downgraded. The Eaton Fire, first reported on Tuesday, Jan. 7 near Altadena and Midwick drives, resulted in tragic losses, with some residents not surviving the flames. At least 7,000 structures were destroyed. Authorities have implemented a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. for all areas that remain under mandatory evacuation orders in the Altadena area following over 30 looting arrests made by the LA County Sheriff's Department. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but a lawsuit has been filed claiming Southern California Edison equipment sparked the Eaton Fire. The lawsuit alleges Southern California Edison failed to comply with essential electrical and fire safety standards, including failing to maintain power lines and overgrown vegetation. The Palisades Fire erupted on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 7 as parts of Southern California were hit by powerful Santa Ana winds – the strongest to hit the area in over a decade. The intense winds not only amplified the fire's spread but also prevented helicopters and planes from dropping water or fire retardant, making conditions too dangerous for aerial operations during the first day of the massive fire. The fire consumed well over 23,000 acres in seven days, destroying homes and businesses across the Pacific Palisades and Malibu. The fire also forced evacuations across parts of LA County, including Bel-Air, Brentwood, and Santa Monica. The fire also destroyed the Pacific Palisades Charter High School and other schools in its path. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with reports indicating that Skull Rock – a popular hiking destination north of Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades – is at the center of the investigation as a possible starting point. Local authorities have announced multiple rounds of arrests related to the Palisades Fire, though none directly linked to the cause of the fire. Over the weekend, the arrest of a man impersonating a firefighter was announced, who was accused of attempting to break into one of the evacuated homes. Other individuals have also been accused of arson across Southern California
Wildfires California Rain Mudslide Flooding Eaton Fire Palisades Fire Hughes Fire Storm Drought
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