Rain alert in California: This is the essential item you need to prepare for the storm, according to authorities

The State of California and in the city of Los Angeles in particular has been blighted by a long running dry spell which was instrumental in the recent wildfires which started some three weeks ago and have resulted in 28 deaths.

The fires have damaged or destroyed nearly 16,000 structures and with rain forecast for the week ahead, the badly needed precipitation will bring an end to the wildfires, provide cleaner air but some authorities have expressed concern that overall rain could make things worse.

Ahead of the weekend, workers placed concrete barriers used to control highway traffic along the Pacific Coast Highway and in Palisades neighborhoods above the coastline to prevent landslides, like those that killed 21 and caused hundreds of millions of dollars of damage after a fire seven years ago in Santa Barbara County.

Storm advice

Whilst the weekend has seen steady rains in many parts of the state, a winter storm warning has been issued in Death Valley National Park.

Snow is also forecast in Southern California mountains and their communities, including Wrightwood, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Crestline, Running Springs, and Lake Arrowhead.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has issued advice for the inclement weather and advise on the creation of a Go-Bag or Stay Box. This should include essential items such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries and a first-aid kit. The governing board also advise that people in the danger areas are aware of evacuation routes and shelter locations if flooding becomes a significant concern.

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