The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning and wind advisory for the Santa Clarita Valley on Wednesday.

The flash flood warning is in effect until 4 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7,  and includes the Calgrove burn  area located in Newhall, according to the National Weather Service.

A wind advisory is also in effect until Wednesday evening at 9 p.m.

Rain and possible thunderstorms are expected throughout Wednesday. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall, according to the National Weather Service.

The high is 54 degrees with south southwest winds expected to be around 20 miles per hour and gusts as high as 30 miles per hour on Wednesday.

There will be “periods of heavy rain and a threat of mud and debris flows near recent burn areas through Wednesday night,” according to the National Weather Service. During these periods, peak rainfall rates may exceed one half inch per hour.

Flash flooding and debris flows will be a particular threat in and below the recently burned areas, such as the area the Calgrove fire burned in June 2015.

Multiple traffic collisions have been reported today on both the I-5 and 14 freeway during the series of storms.

Flash Flood Safety Tips

The Flash Flood Warning for the recent burn area means that flooding and debris and mud flows are imminent or occurring. The following are some safety tips to help prepare residents, who live in or below the burn and warning area, for this storm system and potential debris mud flows:

• If a flash flood occurs move immediately to higher ground.
• Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without warnings such as rain clouds or heavy rain.
• If a landslide and/or debris flow occurs, danger is imminent, quickly move away from the path of the slide. Getting out of the path of the slide and/or debris mudflow is your best protection. Move to the high ground in a direction away from the path.
•  Be aware of any sudden increase or decrease in water level on a stream or creek that might indicate debris mudflow upstream. A trickle of flowing mud may precede a larger flow.
• Look for tilted trees, telephone poles, fences or walls, and for new holes or bare spots on hillsides.
• Listen for rumbling sounds that might indicate an approaching landslide or mudflow.
• Be alert when driving. Roads may become blocked or closed due to collapse pavement or debris.

Tips To Stay Safe On The Roads

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Traffic Sergeant Richard Cohen cautions that “during initial rain, roads can be the most slippery.”

The first 10 minutes after the rain begins are the most dangerous because the rain mixes with oil from motor vehicles and oil from new asphalt, resulting in a slippery roadway, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration.

Here are some driving safety tips to help you weather through the storms:

1. Slow down.  You must never drive faster than is safe for present conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.
2. Beware of hydroplaning. If you start to hydroplane, gently ease off of the accelerator and steer straight until you gain control.
3. Turn on your headlights. California law states that headlights are required not only in darkness but also when your wipers are in continuous use, or visibility is less than 1,000 feet.
4. Maintain a safe distance. In wet driving conditions, allow extra distance when following other vehicles.
5. Tire safety. Check your tire tread.  Good tire tread means better traction for wet surfaces. Also, check your tire pressure and make sure it is correct for each tire.
6. Stay alert. Avoid distractions such as using your cell phone, never text when driving and keep your eyes on the road at all times.