As winter storms approach Southern California this week, mountain communities are bracing for potential landslides and mudslides, particularly in areas scarred by recent wildfires.
One of the most concerning regions is near the Line Fire burn area in San Bernardino County, which burned nearly 44,000 acres in September 2024. The fire left behind vast stretches of land, stripped of trees and roots that typically help anchor the soil, leaving it vulnerable to sliding in heavy rain.
Highland resident Eili Ghanem, who lives just across from the burn scar, expressed concern about the upcoming storm. Although his property sits on a slope that is less at risk, he plans to leave the area for a few days to be safe.
“We’re a bit concerned,” Ghanem told KTLA. “We’ll probably leave the neighborhood for a few days.”
The National Weather Service predicts that the first storm will arrive Tuesday night, followed by another on Thursday. While rain levels aren’t expected to be extreme in the Inland Empire, residents are still taking precautions. Many, like Highland’s Norm Vargas, are balancing caution with relief as they welcome the rain after months of drought.
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“[Mudslides] can cause some problems, sure, because the vegetation is burnt to a crisp, so it can’t hold anything,” Vargas said. “But it’s been so dry, so this rain that we’re going to get right now, I’m not really worried about it.”
Local agencies are taking steps to mitigate risks. Caltrans maintenance teams are working around the clock to ensure the safety of roads, especially along State Route 330 in San Bernardino County. Crews have been busy repairing guardrails, replacing damaged signage, and reinforcing culverts to prevent further damage from future storms.
“We’ve had to replace all the damaged guardrail, signage, and asphalt,” explained Eric Dionne, spokesperson for Caltrans District 8. “We’re rehabilitating and adding new installations.”
Though the full impact of the storms remains uncertain, Dionne emphasized that ongoing monitoring of the area will continue as the weather evolves.
The National Weather Service forecasts up to an inch of rain in some areas Thursday night through Friday, with mountain regions potentially receiving up to 2 inches. In preparation, San Bernardino County fire stations are offering free sandbags to residents in need.
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