LOS ANGELES & VENTURA COUNTIES — With light to moderate rain expected Wednesday and Thursday in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, Caltrans District 7 is advising motorists to plan ahead and be extra cautious due to recent Southern California fires — Woolsey, Hill, South and Stone — because rocks, debris and mud might spill onto state highways.

Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1) and canyon areas, where scorched hills have little or no vegetation to impede water flow, are particularly vulnerable to rain-related slides that could cause travel delays or road closures. However, any debris flow would likely be minor, according to the National Weather Service.

NWS officials are forecasting 0.30 to 0.60 inches of rain in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, with as much as 1 inch across the coastal slopes and foothills. Rain is expected to begin Wednesday afternoon and continue to early Thursday.
– Caltrans is monitoring burn areas to respond to debris or other problems on roadways.
– Caltrans will be working closely with our media partners to ensure accurate information
is available for the public to make wise traveling decisions.
– We will also be posting critical traffic information on our area freeway message signs to assist motorists.
– Before getting on the road, motorists should check Caltrans’ Quickmap http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ or call 511 for real-time traffic information.
– Windshield wiper blades should be replaced, if needed.
– Allow plenty of time to get to your destination. Trips to the mountains can take longer,
especially if you encounter storm conditions.
– Moreover, pack your patience. There can be long waits to flush traffic once congestion clears or a road opens.