Flood Watch Issued for Los Angeles area: Safety Measures too Take Now
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A flood watch is currently in effect for several areas of Los Angeles County, including Palos Verdes Hills, the Eastern San Gabriel mountains, the Eastern Antelope Valley Foothills, and Los Angeles itself, until noon today. The National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles/Oxnard CA issued the updated watch at 8:52 a.m. Thursday,warning residents of the potential for significant rainfall and subsequent flooding.
The NWS emphasizes that “flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.” Excessive runoff is expected to impact rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying areas, as well as locations with poor drainage and urban centers. Low-water crossings are especially vulnerable.
Safety Inside your Home
Protecting yourself and your family indoors is paramount during a flood watch.Ensure you have a supply of sandbags to protect doorways and vulnerable areas. Be mindful of your utilities and appliances.
Entering buildings with flooded basements or rooms containing submerged electrical outlets or cords is extremely risky.”Should you observe sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate immediately,” a senior official stated. Never enter water that may be energized, and avoid walking through floodwaters – as little as six inches of moving water can be enough to knock a person off their feet. If trapped, move to the highest possible point and call 911.
Driving Safely in Wet Conditions
Heavy rainfall significantly increases the risk of flooding, especially in vulnerable areas. A crucial safety reminder is to never attempt to drive through standing water, even if it appears shallow. The NWS warns that just 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can sweep away most vehicles.
To mitigate risk while driving in the rain, follow these guidelines:
- Activate Headlights: Use headlights even during daylight hours to enhance visibility.
- Stay Centered: Drive in the middle lanes and on higher ground, as rainwater tends to accumulate on the road’s edges.
- Avoid Puddles: Steer clear of puddles and low-lying areas, as these can cause hydroplaning – a dangerous loss of traction.
- Maintain distance: Do not follow large vehicles closely, as they can create a spray that obstructs visibility.
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown: When encountering a flooded road, turn around and find an alternate route. Flash flood currents are powerful and can easily carry vehicles away.
Understanding and Responding to Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads. This happens when water builds up in front of the tires faster than the vehicle’s weight can displace it, creating a thin layer of water between the tire and the road surface, resulting in a loss of control.Several factors contribute to hydroplaning:
- Vehicle Speed: Higher speeds reduce tire traction.
- Water Depth: deeper water leads to quicker traction loss.
- Tire Tread Depth: Worn tires are more susceptible to hydroplaning.
If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, the NWS recommends the following steps:
- Ease off the Accelerator: Reduce speed to allow the tires to regain traction.
- turn into the Skid: Gently steer in the direction of the skid to help realign the tires.
- Wait for Reconnection: Allow the tires to reconnect with the road before straightening the wheels.
- brake Gently: Use normal braking if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes; pump the brakes gently if it does not.
This flood watch serves as a critical reminder to prioritize safety and preparedness during periods of heavy rainfall. Staying informed and taking proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of flooding.
Source: The National weather Service
United Robots California
This story was originally published January 1, 2026 at 12:19 AM.
