Winter Storm: Palos Verdes Nature Preserve Closes, Surf Advisory

RANCHO PALOS VERDES, CA — The Palos Verdes Nature Preserve, including Abalone Cove Park & Reserve, is closed Tuesday due to rain as a strong winter storm moves over the Southland.

It could remain closed for up to 48 hours or more after the last rainfall for public safety and to prevent further trail erosion damage, city officials said.

RELATED: Beach Water Use Advisory Issued For Palos Verdes Beaches

For updates on trail conditions and closure information, check rpvca.gov/trailalerts or call Open Space Management at 310-491-5775.

Rancho Palos Verdes city officials are providing residents sandbags to protect homes and businesses from potential damage.

"The City of RPV provides empty sandbags and sand for residents to fill and make as needed," city officials said.

Unfilled sandbags are located at the City Hall info desk and are available during regular business hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday.

There is a limit of 10 sandbags per household with valid ID or proof of residency. Fill sand is located at City Hall in a designated area for residents to use.

"Please bring your shovels and tools as they are not provided," city officials said. If you need additional bags, they can be purchased at local hardware stores."

In Palos Verdes Estates, sandbags can be made at 340 Palos Verdes Drive West.

The most powerful storm of the season slammed Los Angeles County Tuesday, causing power outages and roadway hazards.

While the California Highway Patrol was inundated with dozen of crashes and lane closures, firefighters were busy conducting river rescues as a rushing torrent washed down the Los Angeles River.

About three-quarters of an inch of rain fell per hour across the Southland Tuesday morning. The threat of foothill flooding in places such as the Palisades burn scar became an increasing threat. Leading into the morning rush hour, the storm caused SigAlerts, lane closures, or flooding on the Ventura (101), Santa Monica (10), Glen Anderson (105), Foothill (210) freeways.

National Weather Service forecasters previously dubbed it "the most significant storm of the season." Coastal areas and the valleys could get up to 3 inches of rain during the storm, while mountains and foothills could see up to 5 inches.

"Due to the threat of heavy rain bands and a slight chance of thunderstorms capable of producing high intensity short duration rainfall, there will be the potential for debris flows over recent burn areas as well as significant roadway flooding," according to the NWS.

Rain will progress from northwest to southeast, with the heaviest rain over Los Angeles County expected to fall between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday, forecasters said.

"On Tuesday the system will move into L.A. County and will likely make a mess of rush hour traffic. A very strong jet will move over the area," forecasters said.

The NWS issued a flash flood watch that took effect at 3 a.m. Tuesday and remains in place until 6 p.m. in recent county burn areas -- from the Bobcat, Ranch 2, Dam, Lake and Palisades fires. Forecasters warned that those areas could see intense downpours with an inch or more of rain per hour.

"Residents near these burn scars should prepare for potential flash flooding and debris flow impacts," according to the NWS.

A flood watch will also be in effect throughout Tuesday in Orange County coastal and inland areas and in the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department issued a voluntary evacuation warning for residents in the Bond Fire burn area, including Modjeska, Silverado and Williams canyons. People with disabilities or are otherwise in need of evacuation assistance can contact the sheriff's department at 714-647-7000.

A "care and reception center" was established at Lake Forest Sports Park, 28000 Rancho Parkway, for people heeding the voluntary evacuation warning and looking for a place to wait out the storm. The American Red Cross will operate an overnight shelter at the same location for evacuated residents.

Three Red Cross shelters are open to provide safe refuge and resources for anyone affected by the storm.

Health officials advise the public not to swim or surf in ocean waters at and around discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers after significant rainfall due to a possible increase in bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash and other public health hazards.

A high surf advisory is in effect for the Los Angeles County coast through Wednesday.

"There is an increased risk for ocean drowning," according to the NWS. "Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore."

The Los Angeles Fire Department and county Office of Emergency Management issued a series of reminders related to the potential for mud and debris flow. Among them were:

• Acquire any needed sandbags and instructional materials at your local Los Angeles County fire station.
• Have an emergency plan in place.
• Monitor radio and TV news closely for information about weather conditions and flooding in your area.
• If your neighborhood is evacuated, identify important items to take (e.g., computers, photos, important documents, medications, and other essential items for your family and pets).
• Have enough food and water to supply your family for at least a 72- hour period.
• Remember to include a radio and flashlight with fresh batteries in your emergency kit.
• Stay away from flood control channels, catch basins, canyons, and natural waterways that are vulnerable to flooding during periods of heavy rain.
• Do not attempt to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water on foot or in a vehicle.

"Our emergency response officials are world-class and will stand ready to defend lives, property and infrastructure if there are emergencies caused by this storm," said Kevin McGowan, director of the county Office of Emergency Management. "But, we need collaboration from the public. It is critical for residents to be aware and prepared so that they can help keep themselves safe."

- City News Service and Patch Editor Nicole Charky contributed to this report.

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