Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Storm System Triggers Mudflow Warnings for Local Foothills as County Orders Early Evacuations

Altadena and Pasadena residents in foothill neighborhoods in burn scars are being urged to prepare for mud and debris flows as a storm system moves into Los Angeles County beginning Tuesday, according to a county press release. A Flood Watch will be in effect from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening.

County officials said areas burned in the January wildfires remain highly susceptible to dangerous runoff, including communities along the San Gabriel Mountains that border Pasadena.

The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management and law enforcement agencies are advising residents in designated at-risk zones to evacuate before the rain begins.

Evacuation warnings and orders for vulnerable homes identified by LA County Public Works will take effect at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

“GET SET for possible evacuations if you are near San Gabriel Foothills in Altadena. Gather loved ones, pets and supplies. Those who need more time evacuating should consider leaving now,” the alert said.

Sheriff’s deputies are conducting door-to-door outreach at those residences, and the Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Services Team is contacting unhoused individuals living near local waterways to warn them about the storm and offer services.

The county has activated its Winter Shelter Program, and augmented shelters are open for unhoused residents. Locations are listed at lahsa.org/winter-shelter, and residents may call 2-1-1 for bed availability and transportation information.

The Sheriff’s and Fire Departments have activated Search and Rescue Teams, air resources staffed with swiftwater rescue swimmers, and Incident Management Teams.

Officials said resources have been strategically pre-positioned, Mobile Field Force rosters are being collected to ensure personnel availability, and Department Operations Centers — along with the County Emergency Operations Center — will remain active throughout the storm.

County officials urged residents to take preparedness steps, including signing up for emergency alerts at lacounty.gov, checking evacuation status through the Genasys Alert app, locating sandbag distribution sites, and reviewing mud and debris flow forecasts from Los Angeles County Public Works.

Additional preparedness information is available at https://ready.lacounty.gov/emergency-notifications/

During and after the storm, residents are advised to monitor news reports, be ready to evacuate immediately if ordered, identify essential items to take if evacuation becomes necessary, and plan alternate evacuation routes. Officials also warned residents to stay away from flood control channels, canyons and natural waterways; avoid crossing flooded areas; and never enter moving water. Anyone who sees a person swept into a waterway should call 9-1-1 and, if possible, throw a rope or flotation device without entering the water.