City Issues Green Flag Alert

Rain is expected to touch down in Sierra Madre at about 4 a.m. on Monday and make for a soggy morning commute. The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Sierra Madre and the rest of L.A. County.

Rainfall totals are expected to be between one quarter and three quarters of an inch in valleys, and three quarters of an inch and one and three quarters of an inch across the mountains. There’s also a chance of thunderstorms, and snow is expected in the San Gabriel Mountains.

The City issued a green flag alert for possible mudslides or debris flow, especially for the hillside neighborhoods. Residents are urged to take extra precautions due to the added debris on the side of the roads due to the recent wind storm.

The Department of Public Works also warns of a possible flood alert.

The storm could last through Monday night and into Tuesday. Monday’s high will hover around 58, and Tuesday’s high will fall around 60. Winds are only expected to be about 5 mph on both days.

Here’s a refresher on the city’s mud and debris flow alert system:

From the City of Sierra Madre:

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.