Stormwatch: still flood potential, no injuries, one rescue

Highlights from the 11 AM county storm briefing, from ATC chair Gino Sund:

1.  The forecast for today's is for an unstable cold front with the possibility of thunder showers.  No accumulation totals available at this time, but National Weather flash flood warnings remain in effect.  

 

2.  There were no injuries or damage reported as of this time. 

 

3.  The critical catch basins are at around 50% capacity and are receding at this moment.  No significant over flow is expected today, based on the forecast.

 

3.  The hard closures remain in effect for sections of La Canada Flintridge and Crescenta Valley. No closures or evacuation orders in Altadena

 

4. The next briefing will be 7:00 p.m. this evening.

We augment this with this from Carolyn Seitz:

The Sheriff's Department and the Fire Department still have their incident command posts in place at Camp 2 for Fire and at Descanso Gardens for the Sheriff's Department.   Both still are still operating with augmented staffing levels to be sure to keep the evacuation areas closed and to be ready to respond to incidents or issues as they arise.

So far, from this storm event, there have been no injuries reported, no damage reported and there was 1 rescue of the driver of a pickup truck who got caught in mud and debris flows.  He was successfully rescued without injury.

As always, stay safe in the rain. 

The Weathercam is reporting 1.5 inches since midnight this morning.  And latest from National Weather Service:

...THE FLASH FLOOD WARNING HAS EXPIRED FOR CENTRAL LOS ANGELES COUNTY...

RAINFALL HAS TAPERED OFF OVER THE STATION AND MORRIS BURN AREA...HOWEVER...MUD AND DEBRIS MAY STILL REMAIN UP THE DRAINAGE BASINS FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL HOURS...CAUSING MINOR FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS.

Yes, the NWS notice (flash flood warning expired) contradicts the briefing, but floods are still possible.  When it doubt, proceed cautiously!