An El Niño Watch is in effect for Southern California, which means rainfall, potentially higher than usual, could cause mudslides and floods for Santa Clarita in the near future.

Higher than normal sea temperatures in the South Pacific could bring more moisture into Southern California. This moisture, condensed into rain clouds, could effect the Santa Clarita Valley, especially those with burn areas, causing mudslides and floods, according to the National Weather Service.

El Niño conditions could create higher potential for stronger storm systems into the winter months, typically peaking around December, officials said.

“This one so far is probably going to be a low to moderate El Niño,” said National Weather Service Meteorologist Stuart Seto.

Seto said there is just under a 40 percent chance of higher rainfall than average through the fall and winter seasons.

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Known as a “temperature anomaly” by National Weather Service officials, El Niño is characterized by ocean temperatures being 0.5 degrees celsius higher than normal for more than a month. This causes potential for higher rainfall in the Southwestern United States.

Mudslides are not new in Southern California, especially areas such as the Sand Canyon neighborhood in Canyon Country. Residents have been dealing with mudslides every year since the 2016 fire. But more recent burn areas are also at risk, Seto said. 

“Recent burn areas are more susceptible to a lot of rain in a short periods of time, and that is what could cause debris flows,” Seto said.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department recommends preparing an emergency bag filled with survival essentials in the case of evacuation notices.

But, to help protect homes from flooding or mudslide damage, Fire Station 126 by the Westfield Valencia Town Center offers free sandbags to the public. For more information, contact your local fire station.

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