Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Yellow Flag Alert

Yellow Flag Mud Alert Issued

The City of Sierra Madre issued a Yellow Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. The National Weather Service is forecasting a 90% chance of rain in Sierra Madre on Tuesday and a 70% chance on Wednesday, November 25 and 26, 2008. The quantity of precipitation is over 2” for Tuesday, decreasing on Wednesday.

It is recommended that residents in the following areas prepare for potential mudflow deposition on: Auburn Avenue east of Auburn Debris Basin; the development under construction north of Carter Avenue; Carter Avenue between the development and Mira Monte Avenue; Mt. Wilson Trail near Mira Monte Avenue; Churchill Road near Skyland Drive; Skyland Drive; streets below Sierra Madre Debris Dam (Sumac Trail, Brookside Lane, Woodland Drive); Yucca Trail; Lotus Lane, above Camillo Street and Sturtevant Debris Basin; Sunrise Hill Lane; Santa Anita Canyon Road above Lannan Debris Basin.

Affected residents should prepare to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts.

Should there be mud flow the City of Sierra Madre Public Works Department will work hard to clean the streets of any potential debris and mud as soon as possible. However, depending on the amount of rainfall and debris, streets may not be accessible before the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend.

All homeowners are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect their homes. Sand and bags will be available at the Public Works Yard (621 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.) and the Fire Station (232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.). Able bodied volunteers not living in the potential mud flow areas are encouraged to help fill sandbags. Those interested in assisting with sandbags should contact James Carlson or Suzi McConnell at 626-355-7135.

Additional information on how to protect your home can be found on the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com. Mud incident updates can be found at www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com.