Rain Brings Threats Of Evacuations, Floods, Mudslides To Malibu

MALIBU, CA – Rain is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday this week in Malibu, and officials are urging residents to prepare for potential flooding, mudslides, power outages and evacuations.

The National Weather Service expects moderate to locally heavy rain starting Wednesday night for LA and Ventura Counties with gusty southwest winds and into Thursday, Malibu officials said. One half to two inches of rain is expected, with more expected on ocean-facing slopes.

"During storm events, mud and debris flows are a very real and dangerous threat to the communities affected by the Woolsey fire," the City of Malibu Emergency Services said. "Mud and debris flows can have a devastating impact, including loss of life and home. Residents are urged to prepare for possible evacuations. Evacuation orders should not be taken lightly and are ordered because there is a threat to life and property. Evacuate early to reduce traffic congestion out of Malibu."

Residents should prepare for lack of water, power and natural gas, non-functional traffic signals, and roads that may be impassable, officials said. Free, empty sandbags are available at Malibu-area fire stations.

Malibu Weekly Forecast:

Monday Afternoon
Sunny, with a high near 73. West wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 54. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. North wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. West wind 10 to 15 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 65. East wind around 5 mph becoming west southwest in the morning.

Wednesday Night
Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Thursday
Rain. High near 62. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Thursday Night
Showers likely, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Friday
A slight chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 65.

Friday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 64.

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 52.

Image via Shutterstock