The California wildfires have now been fully contained, thanks to recent rainfall that provided a crucial boost for firefighting efforts. However, the atmospheric rain storms have also kept first responders on high alert due to the increased risk of mudslides in the affected areas.
According to CBS News, atmospheric rivers are long and narrow strips of region in the atmosphere that carry vapor droplets equivalent to the average flow of water in the mouth of the Mississippi River. However, when such immense amounts of water vapor are eventually released, the rainfall can cause extreme flooding and potential damage in high-risk areas.
On Friday, the California Department of Transportation District 7 announced on social media that the Pacific Coastal Highway is completely closed between Chautauqua Boulevard in Los Angeles and Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu due to danger of mud and debris flows.
Palisades Drive saw a minor mudslide on Friday morning. The mud slipped past the K-rails that had been installed along the road before the storm. The roads were open and operating by 11 a.m.
Later, another mudflow was spotted on Pacific Coast Highway, north of Big Rock Drive in Malibu. Caltrans used a bulldozer to remove 10 truckloads of debris at the scene, according to ABC News.
Residents are still able to return to their homes in Pacific Palisades with a special pass, along with essential workers who have been cleared to access the Pacific Coast Highway during the closure.
In terms of the upcoming weather forecast, cloudy conditions and more rain are expected starting Wednesday. With the wildfires and recent showers, California has been experiencing major environmental challenges back to back.
“While most people think of climate change in terms of long-term manifestations, such as higher temperatures and sea-level rise, it also dramatically increases climate variability,” Adam Rose, an expert on environmental policy and economics, said in a press release.