Altadena Sheriff’s Station Issues Friday Afternoon Storm Alert for Burn Areas

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issued an alert Friday afternoon about 3 p.m. urging residents in recent burn areas to prepare for possible mudslides and flooding as a storm system moves into the region.

A Flood Watch is in effect from late Friday through Saturday evening, with rain expected to continue into next week.

Officials warn that neighborhoods impacted by the Jan. 7 wildfires remain highly vulnerable to debris flows.

Deputies will begin targeted outreach, including door knocks, at 8 p.m. Friday to pre-identified, vulnerable residences recognized by Public Works as at risk.

The Office of Emergency Management and law enforcement agencies warned residents in at-risk areas to evacuate. The Winter Shelter Program has been activated, with augmented shelters open for unhoused residents. Locations are available at lahsa.org/winter-shelter, and residents can call 2-1-1 for bed availability and transportation.

Authorities urge residents to sign up for emergency alerts at alert.lacounty.gov, download the Genasys Alert mobile app, and check sandbag distribution sites through Los Angeles County Public Works. Forecasts for mud and debris flows are posted at dpw.lacounty.gov/wrd/forecast, and rain preparedness tips are available at ready.lacounty.gov/rain.

Residents are strongly encouraged to have an emergency plan that is easy for all family members to understand, monitor radio and TV news closely, and prepare alternate evacuation routes. Important items such as documents, medications, and supplies for pets should be ready to take if an evacuation is ordered.

Officials caution against crossing flooded areas or entering moving water. Anyone witnessing a person swept into floodwaters should call 9-1-1 and, if possible, provide a flotation device without attempting a rescue.

The Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Services Team is working with unhoused individuals near waterways to provide information and support. Search and Rescue teams, swiftwater rescue swimmers, and air resources have been pre-positioned.

Incident Management Teams are on alert, and the Sheriff’s Department is collecting Mobile Field Force rosters from all stations to ensure personnel are ready to respond.

Department Operations Centers, in conjunction with the County Emergency Operations Center, will remain activated and operational for the duration of the storm.