Flash Flood Warning Issued for Santa Monica Mountains and Southwestern Los Angeles County
The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for southwestern Los Angeles County, including the Santa Monica Mountains and recent burn scars, effective until 2:00 PM PST.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles/Oxnard has issued a Flash Flood Warning for southwestern California. This alert is classified as a severe threat with immediate urgency, as flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
Affected Areas
The warning covers the Santa Monica Mountains, including the Palisades and Franklin Burn Scars, and surrounding areas of southwestern Los Angeles County. Specific locations expected to experience flooding include:
- Cities and Neighborhoods: Thousand Oaks, Malibu, Woodland Hills, Encino, Santa Monica, Agoura Hills, Beverly Hills, North Hollywood, Hollywood, Universal City, Burbank, Calabasas, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, and Bel Air.
- Parks and Landmarks: Griffith Park, Topanga State Park, Malibu Creek State Park, and the Palisades and Franklin Burn Scars.
- Transportation: Interstate 405 through the Sepulveda Pass.
What You Should Do
Residents and travelers in the warned area should take the following precautions:
- Turn around, don’t drown: Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads. Most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.
- Monitor Terrain: Be vigilant for rock slides and mud slides, especially around high terrain.
- Follow Official Guidance: Adhere to all directions provided by Emergency Management and Law Enforcement officials.
- Avoid Hazards: Stay away from small creeks, streams, and low-lying urban areas or underpasses that are prone to flooding.
Expected Conditions
Doppler radar indicates heavy rain moving across the region. Expected rainfall rates are between 0.5 and 1 inch per hour. Primary hazards include:
- Flash flooding of small creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, and streets.
- Rock and mud slides.
- Minor debris flows, particularly in and around the Palisades and Franklin Burn Scars.
Timeline
The Flash Flood Warning was issued at 10:23 AM PST on February 16 and is currently scheduled to expire at 2:00 PM PST on February 16, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice