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Insider Blog: Rainfall helps quell Los Angeles fires, mudslides happen as a result

Deadly wildfires that have plagued the Los Angeles area over the last few weeks are almost 100% contained after weekend rain brought some relief to the region.

Rainfall amounts around L.A. were the highest recorded since the end of March, with 0.61" reported just on Sunday, the most rain since March 30th of last year when 1.87" rain fell.

The scattered showers are tied to a low pressure system that could bring a little more hit and miss rain on Tuesday, along with higher humidity to keep the fire risk low.

However, the combination of ongoing drought and wildfire burn scars has created yet another problem for those impacted by the fires.

Mudslides closed roads on Sunday and Monday as flash flood alerts were in place, including the main artery, Pacific Coast Highway.

Charred land can pose a big risk when heavy rain comes along, especially on sloped terrain such as in and around the Los Angeles area. The cover vegetation is burned away, and the remaining soil tends to repel water. When rain falls over a burn scar, water isn't absorbed in to the ground and runs off toward the lowest point, pulling down debris and toxic materials with it.

Flooding can exacerbate mud flows, closing roads, washing out bridges, and even destroying homes and trees.

Drier weather with higher humidity is expected after Tuesday, helping with cleanup efforts in southern California.

Article Topic Follows: Weather

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Jessica Hafner

Jessica Hafner returned to ABC 17 News as chief meteorologist in 2019 after working here from 2014 to 2016.

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