Santa Clarita Valley is getting a lot of rain. This is the first big storm in a long time. It started last week and will last until Thursday. The weather will be up and down. Days will be in the 60s. Nights will be in the 40s.

Rain is falling hard. It could be 2 to 3 inches in some places. A flash flood warning was in effect until 2 p. m. Saturday. A flood watch was in place until 8 p. m. Saturday. The rain is making things very wet. There have been mudslides and rock slides in L. A. County. But the wind is not too bad.

More rain is coming later in the week. Residents should be careful. Roads could be flooded. People should stay safe.

The rain is causing power problems. There have been scheduled power shutoffs. There have also been electrical fires. Residents should be ready. They should know how to stay safe.

Here are some tips to stay safe:

* Trees or branches can fall into power lines. If you see a downed power line, do not touch it. Stay 100 feet away. Call 911. Then, report it to the emergency line.

* Do not try to remove a broken tree limb or branch that is touching a power line.

* Water conducts electricity. If you see a downed power line near wet grass or puddles, do not step or touch the water. Stay 100 feet away and call 911.

* Make sure your cell phones and laptops are charged.

* Keep the gas tank or charge level in your car at least half full at all times.

* Check emergency supplies. Make sure you have a battery-operated radio, a flashlight and fresh batteries. Also, have food, water and first aid supplies.

* Know how to manually open your automatic garage doors or gates.

* Use flashlights instead of candles to avoid fire hazards in your home or business.

COMMUNITY ALERTS

Wet Weather Warnings: What Santa Clarita Valley Needs to Know

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