What is the location of the flooding?

As of February 14, 2025, flooding is occurring in Southern California due to a powerful atmospheric river (1)(2). The hardest hit areas are those recently impacted by recent wildfires, including the Eaton, Pacific Palisades, Hurst, Franklin, Bridge, Sunset, and Mountain Fire burn scars.

Flash flood watches were issued in Los Angeles County on Thursday, while some flooding has occurred in Ventura County, and Orange County. Coastal highways, creeks, and urban areas are also experiencing flash flooding.

Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?

The primary affected areas include (3):

• Los Angeles
• Altadena
• Azusa
• Bell Canyon
• Hot Springs Canyon
• Malibu
• Oxnard 
• Pacific Palisades
• Sierra Madre
• Trabuco Creek

Flooding is also affecting parts of Ventura, Orange, and Santa Barbara counties.

What is the current containment status of the flooding?

Authorities have deployed significant resources to manage the situation, including 120 miles of flood barriers, 319,000 sandbags, and emergency personnel across multiple counties. However, flooding remains ongoing, with road closures, mudslides, and debris flows continuing to pose risks.

The storm is expected to weaken by Friday, improving conditions.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for over 100 homes in Pacific Palisades and dozens in Altadena, Malibu, and other high-risk communities.

Orange County has a mandatory evacuation for Trabuco Creek, Bell Canyon, and Hot Springs Canyon.

Evacuation warnings remain in effect for Long and Modjeska Canyons, as well as Ventura County near the Mountain Fire burn scar. Residents are urged to follow local emergency instructions.

How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?

It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.

• Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
• Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
• If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
• Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
• Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
• Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
• Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
• If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.

Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.