Thousands told to evacuate in L.A. as powerful storms raise fears over burn scars and debris flow

Thousands have been told to evacuate on Thursday, as fears mount over potentially life-threatening flash flooding and debris flow from burn scars caused by recent wildfires.

What is expected to be Southern California's most powerful winter storm of the season prompted the city of Los Angeles to tell thousands to evacuate Thursday, as fears mount over potentially life-threatening flash flooding and debris flow from burn scars caused by recent wildfires.

The warnings, which come into effect at 7 a.m. PT (10 a.m. ET) and last until Friday afternoon, cover areas affected by the huge Palisades Fire last month, as well as the communities hit by the Eaton, Hurst, Franklin, Bridge and Sunset fires.

While these warnings aren't currently enforceable orders, the Los Angeles Fire Department said that houses in these areas with "high risk" will be visited by firefighters and given specific evacuation orders. Widespread enforcement orders could follow depending on how the storm develops.

The National Weather Service said flash flooding should be expected across the region in urban areas, and the risk “will be highest in and near recent burn scar areas in Southern California.”

"Those around recently burned areas should listen carefully to instructions from local officials. Flash flooding in burn scars will be life-threatening," the weather service added.

https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/winter-weather/los-angeles-weather-flash-flood-warning-rcna191987

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