What makes burn scars dangerous when heavy rain arrives in California?
AccuWeather · Recent
AccuWeather
Recent
When areas in California are stricken by wildfire, a twofold disaster usually ensues, with flash flooding following in the months and years afterward. Professor Char Miller explains why.
Breakdown
- Burn scarred areas in Southern California are at risk of flash floods and mudslides after heavy rain due to unstable soil and lack of vegetation. 21s
- Steep slopes in these regions cause water to move quickly, increasing the danger of debris flows. 40s
- The risk of debris flows can persist for years, sometimes up to a decade after a major fire. 1m 6s
- Recovery and rebuilding are slowed by rain, which halts construction and makes resettlement difficult. 1m 43s
- Experts warn that rapid rebuilding may cause communities to forget the ongoing risks of living in fire-prone areas. 2m 42s