Californians Prepare For Flooding, Evacuations As Major Rainstorm Arrives

Californians are reportedly prepping for severe rain storms this week that could result in mudslides and flooding.

Although the western state is in great need of rain following an historic drought, several cities in the state are preparing for floods and evacuations as the parched land becomes quickly doused in rain. Recent wildfires in the state also increase the danger of mudslides, as trees, roots and other ground cover are no longer available to soak up excess rainfall.

The rainstorm moved up from Mexico Tuesday, and cities such as Los Angeles already began warning of voluntary evacuations should the rain begin to flood. Flooding was also reported in areas of San Francisco and Northern California.

Residents in the Golden State are preparing for the onslaught of rain that could quickly drop six inches in some places.

"I'm gone beyond nervous," Ed Heinlein, a Los Angeles resident who has experienced mudslides in the past, told NBC Los Angeles. "I'm down to the grim reality of you fight it, you do what you can, you deal with it."

Glendora City Manager Chris Jeffers asked residents of his city to be patient with possible mandatory evacuations.

"We know that it's very difficult to leave a home," Jeffers said at a news conference on Tuesday, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Jeffers added that "our primary mission here is protection of life, then comes property."

Steve Martin, deputy chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, added in a press conference that evacuation can be necessary, especially in areas recently affected by forest fires, such as the San Gabriel Mountains.

"We know it's an inconvenience, we know it's hard to leave your homes behind, but the fact of the matter is if the mountain does cut loose […] it happens so fast you're already behind," Martin said.

"You're going to be stuck and stranded, and it's going to be very difficult for us to get to you."