County Issues Phase One Mudflow Warning for Sierra Madre, Yellow Flag Parking Restrictions Expected

Sierra Madre remains under a Green Flag alert three days after the level was first raised and despite little rain falling thus far. But with possibly the heaviest precipitation yet headed our way, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has issued a Phase One Debris and mudflow forecast level for the Santa Anita Fire area above Sierra Madre as well as those affected by the Station Fire.

The LADPW alert, while issued late Thursday afternoon, will be effective from Noon on Friday, Feb. 18 onward or until LADPW lowers the phase level.

While a Green Flag alert is issued anytime forecasts call for a 80 percent or more chance of rain, Sierra Madre typically raises their alert level to a Yellow Flag when the Los Angeles County Public Works Department issues a Phase 1 Mudflow Forecast.

It is expected the city will follow the county's lead again today at Noon and raise the alert to Yellow, the second-highest of the three-tiered flag system.

With a Yellow Flag warning comes significant action by Sierra Madre Police and Public Works officials, particularly for those living in the Upper and Lower Sierra Madre Canyon.

Under a Yellow or Red Flag, parking restrictions will be in effect for the canyon areas and vehicles may be towed at owner's expense.

During the heavy rain last December that caused , Sierra Madre Police worked their way up and down canyon roads, attempting to contact vehicle owners in order to have their cars removed. While many owners were able to be contacted, police did tow a number of cars.

In addition to clearing out cars, Woodland Drive, Skyland Drive and other streets may be closed due to blockage from mud and/or debris flows and subsequent cleanup efforts.

On top of the Mudflow Phase One warning and potential Yellow Flag from the city, the National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for the area, which will be in effect "through late Saturday night". The NWS also issued a Wind Advisory effective from 3:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. this evening.
The heaviest rain is expected to fall on the Sierra Madre area starting Friday evening and into Saturday morning. While the rain is expected to end by Sunday, there is a slight chance of another storm making its way into the area by this coming Wednesday, Feb. 23.