Sierra Madre Storm Update – January 18, 2010
Sierra Madre has made it through an initial round of heavy rain, with 2.25” of rain measured at City Hall in the 24 hours prior to 3:00 today. There have not been any reports of property damage. The primary debris flow took place on Skyland Drive. Sierra Madre Public Works crews began removing debris from that street this afternoon, and work will continue through daylight hours as long as weather permits. Streets in the Marlborough Terrace (Upper Canyon) will remain closed to all traffic except for residents, to allow for city staff and equipment to complete the cleanup as quickly and safely as possible.
The Yucca Canyon (and all other county debris facilities) debris structure is being monitored hourly by County staff. The City has been advised that the Yucca Canyon structure is 70% full of debris. The County will begin removal of the debris tomorrow morning January 19th, weather permitting. County staff has advised the City that they will need a window of opportunity several hours long in order to clean out the structure, that the facility cannot be maintained while it is raining. Should the city experience additional heavy rains prior to the County being able to clean out the structure, there is the potential for significant debris flow into Woodland Drive.
The City remains under a Yellow Flag Alert. Parking restrictions are in effect in the Upper and Lower Canyon during Yellow or Red Flag alerts. Vehicles may be towed at owner’s expense. The affected streets are: Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Rd., Skyland Dr., Fern Glen, Fern Dr., Idlehour Ln., Canyon Crest Dr., Orange Dr., Woodland Dr., Brookside Lane, Sunnyside Lane, Yucca Trail, Sturtevant Dr., Elm Ave., and Holly Trail. Residents in the affected areas are urged to be "set" to leave at a moments notice and may choose to voluntarily evacuate.
