Arriving storm prompts Palisades Fire area evacuation warnings; PCH closure
An approaching storm that could bring thunderstorms and heavy rain to Southern California prompted officials to issue an evacuation warning and close a portion of Pacific Coast Highway through the Palisades Fire burn area Wednesday.
“Due to the forecasted high rains which have the potential to trigger mudslides and debris flows on March 12-13, the City of Los Angeles is issuing EVACUATION WARNINGS for several areas,” the Los Angeles Fire Department said.
The order will go into effect at 7 a.m. Wednesday and continue through 6 p.m. Thursday and impacts areas within the Palisades, Sunset and Hurst fire burn areas.
Palisades Fire Area:
- Getty Villa area
- Highlands near the burn areas
- Bienveneda area near Temescal Canyon Park
- Rivas Canyon/Will Rogers State Park area
- Mandeville Canyon above Tanners Road
- Old Ranch Road and Rustic Creek
Sunset Fire Area:
- East and South of Runyon Canyon
Hurst Fire Area:
- Olive Lane in the Oakridge Mobile Home Park
Residents within the warning areas at “high risk” will be visited by Los Angeles police officers Wednesday to issue specific evacuation orders, the Fire Department said. “If you are not home, they will leave a flyer with important evacuation information.”
The warnings come as the National Weather Service says thunderstorms are possible late Wednesday into Thursday and could bring rain rates near 1 inch per hour at times.
Caltrans has also decided to close a portion of Pacific Coast Highway especially susceptible to mudslides and debris flows.
“PCH to FULLY CLOSE between Chautauqua Boulevard and Carbon Beach Terrace starting at noon Wednesday. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed to access,” Caltrans District 7 stated on X.
Heavy rain caused a river of mud and rock to flow across the highway in February, even causing a Los Angeles firefighter and his SUV to be swept into the Pacific Ocean.
Video taken the day of the crash showed the unidentified firefighter/inspector walking back to safety and climbing over a fence as his astonished colleagues came over to check on him.
Public works crews have been preparing for the upcoming storm by clearing debris basins and flood channels. K-rails and sandbags have also been in strategically placed locations for several weeks.