5 Freeway north of LA is the focus of a flood watch released at 11:51 a.m. on Sunday by the National Weather Service. The watch is valid from Tuesday 4 p.m. until Wednesday Dec. 24, at 10 p.m. The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA said, “Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible.” “Excessive r unoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Mud and debris flows will be possible across foothill and mountain areas, including recent burn scars,” according to the NWS. “You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.” The full list of affected locations includes: 5 Freeway corridor near Santa Clarita Cuyama Valley Catalina/Santa Barbara Islands Santa Clarita Valley San Luis Obispo County Beaches San Luis Obispo County Inland Central Coast Santa Lucia Mountains Southern Salinas Valley San Luis Obispo County Interior Valleys San Luis Obispo County Mountains Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches Santa Barbara County Inland Central Coast Santa Ynez Valley Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast Santa Ynez Mountains Western Range Santa Ynez Mountains Eastern Range Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains Ventura County Beaches Ventura County Inland Coast Lake Casitas Ojai Valley Central Ventura County Valleys Los Angeles County Beaches Palos Verdes Peninsula Los Angeles County Inland Coast including Downtown Los Angeles Western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area Calabasas/Agoura Hills San Fernando Valley Southeastern Ventura County Valleys Santa Susana Mountains Southern Ventura County Mountains Northern Ventura County Mountains Western San Gabriel Mountains/Highway 14 Corridor Eastern San Gabriel Mountains Western Antelope Valley Foothills Eastern Antelope Valley Foothills Antelope Valley San Gabriel Valley Understanding the differences between advisories, watches, and warnings Flash flood warning: Take action! A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is either imminent or already occurring. In flood-prone areas, it’s crucial to move immediately to higher ground. A flash flood is a sudden and violent inundation that can develop within minutes to hours, and it can even happen in areas not currently experiencing rainfall. Flood warning: Take action! A flood warning is declared when flooding is on the verge of happening or is already underway. Flood advisory: Be aware: A flood advisory is released when flooding is not expected to reach a severity level necessitating a warning. Nonetheless, it can still cause considerable inconvenience and, without exercising caution, potentially lead to situations that threaten life and/or property. Flood watch: Be prepared: A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible. Staying safe during a flood: Recommendations from the NWS In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the NWS flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver: Move to higher ground: If you reside in a flood-prone region or are camping in low-lying terrain, the first step to safety is relocating to higher ground. Adhere to evacuation orders: When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it. Disconnect utilities and appliances: If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding. Avoid basements and submerged areas: Steer clear of basements or rooms where water has submerged electrical outlets or cords. This helps prevent electrical accidents. Evacuate promptly for safety: If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping sounds, evacuate without delay. Do not enter water that may carry an electrical charge. Stay away from floodwaters: Never attempt to walk through floodwaters, even if they appear shallow. Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can forcefully sweep you off your feet. Seek higher ground when trapped: Should you become trapped by moving water, reach the highest point possible and dial 911 to contact emergency services. During periods of heavy rainfall, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas, the risk of flooding escalates. Remember this crucial advice: never attempt to drive through water on the road, even if it appears shallow. According to the NWS, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared. Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather Heavy rainfall may lead to flooding if prolonged or if there is excessive runoff. Excessive runoff can be a result of saturated ground and/or rainfall intensity. Follow these recommendations from the NWS to stay safe in heavy rain: Beware of rapid water flow: Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away. Maintain safe driving distances: Adhere to the two-second rule for maintaining a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. In heavy rain, allow an additional two seconds of distance to compensate for reduced traction and braking effectiveness. Slow down and stay cautious: On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the accelerator gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding. Choose your lane wisely: Stick to the middle lanes on multi-lane roads to minimize the risk of hydroplaning, as water tends to accumulate in outer lanes. Visibility matters: Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by activating your headlights. Be particularly vigilant for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them. Watch out for slippery roads: The first half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mix of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period. Keep a safe distance from large vehicles: Large trucks and buses can reduce your visibility with tire spray. Avoid tailgating and pass with caution. Mind your windshield wipers: Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots. When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position. By following these safety measures, you can significantly reduce risks and ensure your well-being when heavy rain pours down. Stay informed about weather conditions and heed advice from local authorities to make your journey safe and sound. For more local weather alerts, visit our Weather Advisory page ...read more read less