# Preparing for Potential Rainfall in Fire-Ravaged Palisades, Altadena, and Rancho Palos Verdes
As the threat of rain looms over the fire-ravaged neighborhoods of Palisades, Altadena, and Rancho Palos Verdes, residents like Michael Gessl and Marianne Hunter are facing a new set of challenges. Gessl, whose home survived the Palisades fire, is now worried about rainwater seeping through his skylight, while Hunter in Rancho Palos Verdes braces for the possibility of landslides.
## The Paradox of Rain in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County finds itself in a precarious situation this winter. Despite the desperate need for rain, recent disasters like the Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes fires, as well as ongoing landslides, have left residents fearing the potential consequences of precipitation. If the rain doesn’t come, the fire danger increases. But if it arrives too swiftly, it could trigger mudslides and toxic runoff, exacerbating existing problems on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
## Balancing Water Needs and Risks
Michael Anderson, the state climatologist, highlights the challenge of striking a balance between the necessity of rain and the risks associated with it. With most of Los Angeles County experiencing severe drought conditions, the anticipation of even a small amount of rainfall raises concerns about its impact on the parched landscape.
## Preparing for Rainfall
In response to the impending storms, Mayor Karen Bass issued an emergency executive order to fortify Los Angeles burn areas and safeguard watersheds. City crews are working to clear vegetation, reinforce hillsides, and divert stormwater to prevent contaminated runoff. In Pasadena and Altadena, where the Eaton fire left hillsides vulnerable, officials are distributing sandbags and preparing for potential risks associated with rain.
## Personal Stories of Resilience
Elizabeth Richey, a landscape designer in Altadena, reflects on the emotional toll of losing generations worth of memorabilia in the fire. As she salvages what remains from her charred home, she emphasizes the urgency of protecting her possessions from becoming a “soupy mess” in the rain. Marianne Hunter in Rancho Palos Verdes shares her struggles with the aftermath of landslides, emphasizing the delicate balance between too much water and the persistent threat of fires in her neighborhood.
As residents across these fire-ravaged areas brace for the arrival of rain, the delicate dance between water, fire, and recovery continues. The anticipation of precipitation brings both hope for relief and fear of further devastation, underscoring the complex relationship between nature’s elements and human resilience in the face of adversity.