KTLA

Heavy rainfall impacts New Year’s celebrations

Headed out to celebrate New Year’s Eve? You’d better bring an umbrella.

Heavy rainfall is expected to hit the Southland in the hours leading up to midnight and into early Sunday morning.

With that rain comes a risk for mud and debris flows, according to Los Angeles County Public Works. The heavy downpours can also lead to flash flooding dangers especially in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, according to the National Weather Service.

Strong gusty winds and slick roads will present extra dangers to those traveling for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“Plan for rain and wind for New Year’s Eve activities,” said NWS. “Expect minor road flooding. Potential for shallow debris flows near recent burn areas, especially the Fish fire in LA County.”

For the Lake Hughes and Bobcat Fire burn areas of the Antelope Valley, an evacuation warning has been issued by the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department. It will go into effect at 11:30 a.m. Saturday for areas including Lake Hughes, Kings Canyon, Juniper Hills and Valyermo.

“These communities are at risk of potential mud and debris flow through Jan. 1 at 11:30 a.m. based on the forecast for #LARain,” Public Works said on Twitter.

Another evacuation warning was issued for Silverado Canyon and Williams Canyon in the Bond Fire burn area starting at 10 a.m., Orange County said in a press release. For information, visit ocsheriff.gov/bondfire.

Snowfall is expected in mountains and higher elevations over 8000 feet, said NWS.

After this storm leaves the area Sunday morning, rain is expected to return by Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

This forecast works out swimmingly for the 134th Rose Parade presented by Honda, set to take place on Monday, Jan. 2 (the parade is normally held on Jan. 1, except when New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday).

While there likely won’t be rain, temperatures will drop into the 40s in Pasadena, so paradegoers — especially those planning to camp out for a spot — should bring jackets, blankets and other gear to keep warm.