Rain in forecast for Southern California this weekend
Rain in the forecast for Southern California this weekend could bring relief to firefighters battling wildfires. But it also brings risks of mudslides and toxic runoff.
Some much-needed rain is in the forecast this weekend for Southern California, which could bring welcome relief to firefighters who have spent nearly three weeks battling devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area.
But the expected precipitation also brings new risks of mudslides, flash flooding and toxic runoff.
Up to 1.5 inches of rain could fall over the San Gabriel Mountains, while most of Los Angeles County could see around half an inch starting Saturday afternoon and lasting possibly through Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
“There is also a risk of thunderstorms (10-20% chance), capable of producing small hail and isolated brief heavy downpours with rainfall rates up to 0.50 in/hr,” the weather service said in its weekend forecast.
The rain will likely help efforts to put out the deadly wildfires that have burned tens of thousands of acres in Los Angeles, Ventura and Riverside counties. The largest blaze, the Palisades Fire, ignited on Jan. 7 and was 72% contained as of Thursday.
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