Southern California is bracing for a significant winter storm, with heavy rains expected to hit most areas beginning Wednesday. Authorities are particularly concerned about burn scars from recent wildfires, where rainfall may trigger dangerous debris flows and flooding. Government agencies have been proactive in their response, clearing debris basins and deploying sandbags to mitigate risks. The peak threat for flooding and debris flows will occur Thursday, according to the National Weather Service, with specific regions experiencing heightened risks due to the terrain affected by fire damage.
"Thursday is the time of most concern, when the winds and the rain will be the strongest," said Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the weather service's office in Oxnard.
A worst-case scenario could involve heavy rainfall over recently burned areas that dissolves soil into flows of debris barreling down hillsides at speeds of up to 35 mph.
Officials have worked to reduce the risk of flooding impacts, clearing out basins and installing thousands of sandbags and compost filter socks to protect neighborhoods.
The highest risk for debris flows and road flooding in Los Angeles and Ventura counties is between midday Thursday and 6 a.m. Friday.
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