Evacuation warning in effect for Sierra Madre as SoCal storm raises risk of mudslides, flooding

SIERRA MADRE, Calif. (KABC) — As Southern California braces for another winter storm, an evacuation warning has been issued for parts of Sierra Madre, which was hit hard by severe flooding, mudslides and debris flows during the last round of heavy rain.

This week’s storm, which is set to move in Wednesday afternoon, is categorized as a Phase 1 event, which means there’s a 10-20% chance of more significant flooding and debris flows in burn scar areas.

The evacuation warning for high-risk areas in Sierra Madre went into effect at 6 a.m. and will remain in place through 6 a.m. Friday.

Street parking is prohibited in areas under evacuation warnings or orders.

Last month’s storm filled every debris basin in the area to capacity. City and county officials say they’ve been working to clear them, but they aren’t empty.

Police say once a flow starts, it’s too late to evacuate. That means those who stay behind may be trapped for days until emergency crews can access the area.

The following zones in Sierra Madre are under the evacuation warning. Check the Genasys app for more information.

SMD E002B
SMD E003
SMD E004
SMD E005
SMD E006A
SMD E006B
SMD E007
SMD E008
SMD E009
SMD E010A
SMD E010B
SMD E010C
SMD E011A
SMD E011C
SMD E012A
SMD E012B
SMD E012C
SMD E012D
SMD E019