Rains continue over burn scars in California (January 16-17)

Fortunately, predicted high hourly rainfall rates during the January 15th rain event over the burn scars in Santa Barbara County did not materialize. Santa Barbara County emergency officials had issued evacuation orders for January 15th for residents below the Thomas, and the Wittier/Sherpa burn scars. These evacuation orders were lifted at 6 PM on the 15th because the storm moved on quicker than forecast with lower rainfall rates. While I understand the inconvenience of these evacuations,  debris flows are nothing to mess around with. Safety is paramount. I am glad that these evacuation orders were in place for the safety of the residents. See this article from the San Luis Obispo Tribune for more information.

Southern and Central California will see more rain this afternoon, January 16th, into Thursday January 17th.  Note revised on January 17th at 2:30 PM to include NWS Sacramento CA

See this graphic from NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard:

Obtained on January 16, 2019 from https://www.weather.gov/lox/

And this graphic from the NWS Hanford CA:

Obtained on January 16, 2018 from https://www.weather.gov/hnx/

Here is a graphic from the NWS Sacramento CA:

Obtained on January 17, 2019 from NWS Sacramento CA FB page: here

And finally, this graphic from the NWS San Diego CA:

obtained on January 16, 2019 from https://www.weather.gov/sgx/

Flash Flood Watches (be prepared!) issued by some of the California NWS Weather Forecast Offices on January 16th for portions of their forecast areas that include burn scars:

• Flash Flood Watch issued by NWS Hanford for the Ferguson, Railroad and Pier burn scars.
• Flash Flood Watch issued by NWS Sacramento for the Carr, Delta, and  Mirtz burn scars
• Flash Flood Watch issued by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard for the Woolsey, Hill. South, and Stone burn scars.
• Flash Flood Watch issued by NWS San Diego for the Holy Fire burn scar.

The National Weather Service has a good page on flood safety, information about flood advisories, watches and warnings may be found here. I wrote a longer article on NWS Advisories, Watches and Warnings with a Focus on Fire Weather with a discussion on post-fire debris flows and Flash Flood Warnings.