US: Evacuation orders issued in Southern California amid storms January 15

Event

Authorities issued evacuation orders in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara counties in Southern California on Tuesday, January 15, amid forecast heavy rainfall in areas recently burned by wildfires and at risk of mudslides over the coming days. Rainfall of up to 7.6 cm (3 in) is forecast in parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, with higher rainfall totals forecast in the Santa Monica Mountains. Schools in Malibu were closed on Tuesday ahead of the rain. Further heavy rainfall is forecast in Northern and Southern California as another storm system hits the state on Wednesday, January 16.

Up to 2.1 m (7 ft) of snowfall is also possible in the Sierra Nevada Mountains over the coming days. Heavy snowfall already caused brief highway lane closures in the Sierra Nevadas and other affected areas on Tuesday, notably including on Interstate 80 over Donner Pass.

Flooding, mudslides, and significant transportation disruptions (e.g. road closures, flight delays and cancelations) are to be expected in affected areas in California over the coming hours and days.

Advice

Individuals in California are advised to monitor local weather reports and anticipate disruptions to power, telecommunications, and transportation (including flight disruptions, adverse driving conditions, icy roads, and limited visibility). Avoid low-lying areas near burned regions due to the risk of mudslides.