|
2/14/2025
WT Staff
Got water questions? Give us a call at 877-52-WATER (877-529-2837), or email us at info@watertoday.ca
February 14, 2025 9 am PST
Atmospheric river pummels California
Terrifying scenes caught on camera show vehicles washed off the road into the ocean.
According to the National Weather Service, "flash flooding is the number one storm-related killer in the United States", claiming on average 127 lives per year. Nearly half of flash flood drownings occur inside vehicles.
Vehicle-related flood drownings are preventable
Contrary to popular belief, vehicles become difficult to control in as little as six inches of water and can be swept away in 18 to 24 inches of water. When drivers fail to recognize this danger, opting to push through a flooded roadway rather than detour, tragedy often ensues.
What is a flash flood?
A flash flood is a rapid rise of water along a stream or in a low-lying urban area, generally defined as a flood occurring within six hours of the start of the rain or other cause of the flood, including breach of barriers or dams. According to NWS, "Flash flooding can result from slow-moving thunderstorms, from numerous thunderstorms which develop repeatedly over the same area, or from heavy rains associated with tropical cyclones and atmospheric rivers. These floods may develop within minutes, depending on the intensity of the rainfall, the topography, soil conditions, and ground cover."
NWS Tips for Drivers
If flooding occurs, quickly move to higher ground. Stay out of areas subject to flooding, such as dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc. Do no camp or park your vehicle in these areas, particularly during threatening conditions.
Avoid areas which are already flooded, especially if the water is flowing quickly. Never attempt to cross flowing streams. Road beds may be washed out under flood waters, which could cause your vehicle to become stranded in floodwaters. Never drive over flooded roadways.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding. If you are unsure that the road is clear, Turn Around...Don't Drown.
Flood safety information is available, here.
Streamflow Situation from the network of US Geological Survey river monitoring stations in California
Three sites in the reference network indicate active flooding as of this report. See the front page map for location and details, black for flood, blue for high flow. Russian River is flooding near Hopland, and Mark West Creek is flooding near Mirabel Heights in North Coastal watershed Region 1.
Safe Drinking Water Advisories
Los Angeles County: On February 6, the Altadena “Do Not Use” order has been updated to DO NOT DRINK-DO NOT BOIL YOUR WATER order. The official statement Lincoln Avenue Water Company, California Public Water System ID
# CA1910063 distributed 02/06/2025
"Due to the Eaton Fire, some structures within the Lincoln Avenue Water Company service area were
destroyed by the fire, and a section of the Lincoln Avenue Water Company water system depressurized.
Follow-up testing for volatile organic chemicals (VOC) detected Benzene at sample sites located on
E Manor St., Highview Ave., W Pine St., and E Pine St. Benzene results so far are as high as 22 parts
per billion (ppb). The current MCL is 1 ppb. These findings are being carefully evaluated, and mitigation
measures are in place to ensure water safety. The State Water Resources Control Board, Division of
Drinking Water; Los Angeles County Public Health Department; and the Lincoln Avenue Water
Company are advising residents of the affected area to NOT USE THE TAP WATER FOR DRINKING
AND COOKING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
Due to VOCs’ ability to vaporize at lower temperatures and become airborne, residents are
advised to:
- Limit use of hot water
- Limit shower time/bathing, and do not take baths (use lukewarm water and ventilate area)
- Use a dishwasher to wash dishes and use air dry setting
- Wash clothing in cold water
- Avoid using clothes dryers (dry laundry outdoors)
- Do not use hot tubs or swimming pools
- Do not use ice from automatic ice makers
- Use proper ventilation when using water indoors
What should I do?
- DO NOT DRINK YOUR TAP WATER---USE ONLY BOTTLED WATER. Bottled water should be
used for all drinking (including baby formula and juice), brushing teeth, making ice and food
preparation until further notice.
- DO NOT TRY AND TREAT THE WATER YOURSELF. Boiling, freezing, filtering, adding chlorine
or other disinfectants, or letting water stand will not make the water safe.
UPDATES TO THIS ADVISORY WILL BE PROVIDED BASED ON MONITORING RESULTS.
For more information, call (626) 798-9101 or visit the website, here.
See Los Angeles County list of the drinking water notices, here. Scroll down to Water Alerts.
|
|
|
All rights reserved 2025 - WTcal - This material may not be reproduced in whole or in part and may not be distributed,
publicly performed, proxy cached or otherwise used, except with express permission.
|
| 
| ABOUT 
