Evacuation ordered ahead of possible mud, debris flows in San Bernardino County
Involving the Los Angeles River and Highway 395, emergency management authorities have declared an emergency and order that a mandatory evacuation of the community of Hemet, just east of Hemet Valley Road, be in effect beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday.
As of early Wednesday evening, the L.A. River was high, flowing at more than 3 feet above flood stage, and flowing through a series of mudslides. The area is under a voluntary evacuation order issued by the California Department of Water Resources.
California Highway Patrol Lt. David Brown, who is commanding the California Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, said the area is expected to be significantly impacted by debris flows. There is no time to spare for the area.
With the weather forecast calling for high temperatures, the ground around Hemet is already saturated and the runoff from rainfall is already at record levels.
The National Weather Service forecast for Hemet calls for rain falling between 2 a.m. Wednesday and 2 a.m. Thursday, with winds gusting to 35 mph.
The National Weather Service in Los Angeles has issued a high fire danger warning for the Valley including Hemet. The National Weather Service in Hemet is issuing a flood alert for the area, including Hemet, through 11 p.m. Tuesday.
Due to high water levels and fire risks, many residents have turned off their utilities, and many school districts have canceled classes for Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service, California State Route 395 remains closed from Hemet to San Diego, and the California Department of Transportation is working on repairs to the roadway. However, at this time, there are no plans to begin building a new emergency lane on Hemet Valley Road.
To update the public on the evacuation order and road conditions, the California Department of Water Resources is urging those living in areas impacted by debris flows to contact the department at 804-896-1713.
The California Department of Water Resources urged people affected by the mud and