Sierra Madre Issues 'Green Flag' Alert

Sierra Madre residents have been warned of the potential need for evacuations following the city's issuance of a Green Flag Alert, the first stage of the city's three stage emergency alert system.

The Green Flag Alert is activated any time there is a prediction of an 80 percent to 100 percent chance of precipitation. According to the city, affected residents should be ready for a potential evacuation and keep a close watch on weather forecasts. Potentially affected residents include "residents of the Upper and Lower Canyon as well as any resident whose property abuts the hillsides," according to the city's emergency blog.

Much of the hillside area above Sierra Madre has still not recovered the vegetation that was burned in the 2007 Santa Anita fire, meaning there is still potential for mud and debris flows to enter residential areas.

In the event that the city should raise the alert level to a Yellow or Red Flag Alert, the following streets have been identified as needing to be cleared of all vehicles: Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Road, Skyland Drive, Fern Glen, Fern Drive, Idlehour Lane, Canyon Crest Drive, Orange Drive, Woodland Drive, Brookside Lane, Sunnyside Lane and Yucca Trail. Should the alert level be raised, vehicles will be towed from these streets at the owners' expense.

The city is urging residents to stay tuned to the city website, SMTV3 and AM 1630 for more information.

According to the National Weather Service, a low-pressure weather system will continue to move over the region until later this evening. Rain showers are expected to continue over the area before tapering into scattered showers. Reports have also called for a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.