The US west coast is bracing itself for an atmospheric river event that could bring severe flooding and power outages due to heavy rain and snow. Over 20 million people in southern California are under flood watches. Evacuation warnings have been issued by fire officials in Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Pasadena areas, which were affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires in January. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urges Angelenos to stay vigilant, especially in burn scar areas, and heed all evacuation warnings. Los Angeles mountain ranges are under a wind advisory until Thursday night, and a level 2 of 4 risk of flooding is present from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles. State agencies have deployed over 400 personnel to prepare for the storm, while the California governor’s office of emergency services explains that areas burned by intense wildfires are at a higher risk for debris flows. The Los Angeles Fire Department also warns about the extreme danger of debris flows in areas near recent brush fires.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/13/california-atmospheric-river-wildfires-los-angeles