Southern California officials are urging residents to prepare for significant rainfall and potential flooding as a “large storm system” approaches the region Thursday night. The system is expected to bring heavy rain, colder temperatures and heightened debris-flow risks, especially in vulnerable burn scar areas.
To prepare, local agencies have issued evacuation warnings, road closures, and deployed thousands of feet of K-Rails across high-risk zones.
According to the National Weather Service, a strong low-pressure system will bring moderate to heavy rain from Thursday evening through Saturday, possibly lingering into early next week. Most metro areas can expect 1–3 inches of rain, while foothill and mountain communities may see 2–5 inches.
Despite some uncertainty about the exact timing, forecasters say rainfall will begin sometime Thursday evening and continue into early Friday morning. Temperatures are also expected to drop, with highs in the 60s along the coasts and valleys.
A CBS LA Next Weather Alert goes into effect Thursday night for the entire region and remains active through Saturday.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said all relevant city departments are prepared to respond to weather-related incidents.
Evacuation Warnings
The City of Los Angeles has issued an evacuation warning for several high-risk areas due to the potential for debris flows. The warning is in effect 6 p.m. Thursday through 11 a.m. Sunday.
Affected zones include:
LFD-1081, 1083, 1085, 1087, 1089, 1091, 1092, 1093, 1095, 1096, 1097, and 0891 (Mandeville);
Hurst Fire: LFD-0001-B;
Sunset Fire: LFD-0835
The Los Angeles Police Department will go door-to-door in these neighborhoods to provide additional information to residents.
In Ventura County, officials say no evacuations are currently in place, but that could change if conditions worsen.
Traffic Closures
Caltrans will close Topanga Canyon Boulevard in the Palisades Fire Zone due to expected heavy rainfall.
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Closure: A 3.6-mile stretch of Topanga Canyon Blvd / SR-27
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Between: Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive
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Begins: 10 p.m. Thursday
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Reopens: When conditions improve
Where to Get Sandbags
Los Angeles County Public Works is offering free sandbags at temporary distribution sites through April 15, 2026:
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LA County Public Works Fleet Maintenance Yard
252 Mountain View St., Altadena, CA 91001 -
Malibu Library Parking Lot
23519 West Civic Center Way, Malibu, CA 90265
Proof of residency is required.
Additionally, free ready-to-fill sandbags are available year-round at all LAFD fire stations. Residents can use the online station map to find the nearest location.
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