Road closures, flood warnings issued as LA County faces first rainstorm

Rain over California's fire zones increases the risk of mudslides posing new dangers for residents.

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Southern California residents are facing new threats after rain fell over areas heavily impacted by recent wildfires.

Showers began in the Los Angeles area on Saturday and are expected to continue into Sunday, according to AccuWeather.

While the rain has helped fire crews slow the wildfires that began on January 7, officials are now warning of potential mudslides and toxic ash runoff.

 

 

 

 

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The rain poses a risk of carrying toxic ash, which consists of materials burned in the fires, including pesticides, asbestos, plastics, and lead. These substances present significant environmental and health dangers..

In response, officials have indicated that additional evacuations may be necessary to address these new threats.

 

 

 

 

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Weather service meteorologist Carol Smith explained that the risk of debris flows could increase if rain showers persist over burn areas. “If one of those showers happens to park itself over a burn area, that could be enough to create debris flows,” Smith said.

While the major fires in the Los Angeles area are now at least 80 percent contained, more than 28 people have died in the blazes.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump met with Governor Gavin Newsom in Los Angeles to assess the damage. Trump expressed support for the state but suggested that disaster aid may be contingent on certain conditions.