Evacuation ordered ahead of possible mud, debris flows in San Bernardino County (Luz)
by Mary Ann Sganga
The potential for mud, debris, and rockslides to engulf parts of San Bernardino County in the future – including in the city of San Bernardino – had been brought to the forefront as the area was preparing for the Super Bowl. Though there were no reports of any major rock or boulder formations being reported in the area, the National Weather Service in Riverside issued the following warning to local residents:
“After the Super Bowl, the area is expected to be drier and will have a much more stable atmosphere. There could be increased levels of moisture in the air. High levels of humidity and dewpoints will be possible. Rainfall is also expected.
Due to the conditions, the National Weather Service advises all citizens to carefully monitor the weather and only travel during the day where there is low visibility. There could also be flash flooding in the area due to rain or dewpoint changes, especially in the morning hours.”
According to an article on the National Weather Service website, the area was a little cooler than normal in the lead up to and throughout the game. The forecast called for “partly to mostly sunny skies over the afternoon and evening with a slight chance of a showers.” The weather service also said, “The wind pattern is slightly to moderate this morning and afternoon. Winds will increase to 10 to 20 mph in the evening. These winds will make for strong surface areas and a few trees down around the foothills.”
During the game, a helicopter was used to survey the flood situation in the area. The National Weather Service’s meteorologist Chris Burd said that, “As far as the weather we believe the conditions will remain pretty similar to what we saw during the game. You’re going to see some showers, and that’ll break up a little bit later in the afternoon.”
Burd also said that