As 2 Big Storms Head Towards Southland, Residents Prepare For Flooding
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Meteorologists say two storms are headed to the Southland this week and residents in some of the areas most affected by mudslides are bracing for the worst.
CBS2's Adrianna Weingold reported from Glendora, a potential trouble spot.
With several storms influenced by El Niño on the horizon, residents in mudslide hot zones cleaned out drains, and made sure sand bags were in place.
"Just get ahead of the storm, make sure that when it hits that we're prepared in advance and not want for it when it happens," said resident Scott Riley.
Peggy Willison has lived in the neighborhood for 59 years, her daughter-in-law drove in from Downey to help her load sand bags from the city yard to block mud and water from cascading into her home.
She remembers previous floods.
"It came in and I had the whole kitchen flooded," Willison said.
In Studio City, firefighters were also making sure they're ready for severe storms, practicing swift water rescues in what is currently a dry LA River, one of the most dangerous places to be during a heavy rain.
"Our recommendation is to stay away from the river when it's flowing or when there's any water in it at all, stay out of the river, stay away from it, just for your own safety," said Captain Scott Souter of LA City Fire.
Others say the K-Rails that have been in place for a couple of years have helped tremendously. Still, residents told Weingold they're filling up sand bags as a precaution, fearing a series of powerful storms could soak the burned out hillside far worse than years past.
"I've lived here all my life and in Southern California and it's been years and years and years that it's been more than maybe a day or two of rain," said Janet Mitchell.
