Possible Hail, Rain and Green Flag Alert

Sierra Madre could see some thunderstorms and winds accompanied by a bit of hail Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Showers are expected to touch down during the day and winds will be 5 to 10 mph with a chance of gusts up to 25 mph.

With a high of only 56 degrees, it's going to be chillier than it has been.

The storm will taper down by 10 p.m. and Tuesday is expected to be sunny, albeit still cold, with a high of just 56 degrees.

For more weather info and temps, scroll across our weather bug in the top left corner of the page.

Green Flag Alert

In response to the impending storm, the City of Sierra Madre has issued a Green Flag Alert for mudslides and debris flow in the hillside communities. These alerts are issued when there is an 80% or more chance of rain, and remind residents that they should be ready for a potential evacuation and keep an eye on weather reports.

From the City of Sierra Madre:

City Officials would like to remind residents of our mud and debris flow alert system.

A series of three different colored flags will be flown at four different locations in the City (City Hall, Search and Rescue Station, Mountain Trail at Churchill Road, and Mary’s Market). When possible, flags will be displayed indicating one of three stages of emergency. Be sure to check the website, Facebook/Twitter page, email alerts, SMTV3, AM 1630, or simply call City Hall or the Police Department to confirm the current stage of emergency and please understand the City may not always have the ability to change these flags the moment conditions or forecasts change.

The City has identified a number of streets that will need to be clear of all vehicles during a Yellow Flag or Red Flag alert. The affected streets are: Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Road, Skyland Drive, Fern Glen, Fern Drive, Idlehour Lane, Canyon Crest Drive, Orange Drive, Woodland Drive, Brookside Lane, Sturtevant Drive, Sunnyside Lane, and Yucca Trail.
The Yellow and Red Flag Alerts will trigger vehicles being towed from these streets at the owners’ expense.

Stage One: GREEN FLAG - Activated under a prediction of 80% - 100% chance of precipitation. Affected residents should get “READY” for potential evacuation. This includes keeping a close watch on weather forecasts.

Stage Two: YELLOW FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 1 mudflow forecast. This is described as small, isolated debris and mudflows possible at specific locations. Affected residents should get “SET” to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts.

Stage Three: RED FLAG - Activated with an LA County Phase 2 or 3 forecast. Phase 2 includes moderate debris and mudflows at more widespread locations. Phase 3 - the potential exists for significant debris and mudflows to be widespread. Affected residents should “GO”, meaning they should immediately evacuate, and vehicles should not be parked on the streets.

When evacuating, please plan to be as self-sufficient as possible with important paperwork, medications, and clothing for at least seven days. It is important anticipate a possible evacuation order, and make plans for your pets in advance.

Please note that Public Safety Officials do not take evacuation orders lightly and residents should heed these orders. Once mud begins to flow, Emergency Responders will NOT rescue those who failed to evacuate until the mud has stopped flowing and it is safe for responders to enter the mud flow areas.

Updates will also be issued on SMTV3 (Time Warner-channel 3), the City's website www.cityofsierramadre.com, the Sierra Madre Community Radio (AM 1630), eblasts, and the City’s emergency blog (http://sierramadrepio/blogspot.com).