Powerful Storm Puts Hillsides in Burn Zones to the Test
Mud flows into driveways in La Cañada Flintridge
AP
Los Angeles County Sheriffs Deputy E. Roberts goes door-to-door asking residents to follow mandatory evacuation orders in a hillside neighborhood in La Canada Flintridge, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010. Winter storms have created a mudslide risk in areas burned by the Station wildfire last year. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond)
As the latest storm hammers Southern California, hundreds of evacuated residents are waiting and hoping for the best, hoping the mud doesn't cascade down the hillsides and into their homes.
In La Cañada Flintridge, a debris catch basin did overflow Thursday afternoon and the water was caught in a runoff channel. But some mud and water did pour into several driveways. So far, the mud has not entered any homes.
Pink ribbons have been placed on mailboxes at homes in La Cañada Flintridge where homeowners have refused to evacuate. Long sticks have been placed on fire hydrants so they can be located if there is a significant mudslide.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Mike Antonovich said the number of homes under evacuation orders because of possible debris and mudslides had increased to 1,200 including unincorporated and various city neighborhoods.
"We continue to urge the public to heed the warnings of our police officers and firefighters and first responders who are there to protect your public safety," said L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Although water and some mud have been sliding down hillsides during storms over the past three days, Los Angeles County Fire Department officials said they expected the situation to worsen on Thursday because of heavy rains and the fact the slopes were already saturated.
