Much needed rain in California may also bring floods

GLENDORA, Calif. - Much needed rain is coming to parts of drought-stricken California but to some, it's also much dreaded.

People in fire-scarred neighborhoods are sandbagging their homes in anticipation of the first significant storms in months bringing possible mudslides and flooding.

The first storm is expected to hit Northern California this morning and move down the coast, dumping a half-inch to an inch in southern areas late in the day. Forecasters say a potentially stronger storm moving in late tomorrow could bring thunder and dump up to 2 inches of rain in central and southern valleys, 2 to 4 inches in the foothills and up to 6 inches in some mountain spots.

All that predicted rain and snow should be good news. But there's a downside. Forecasters say the ground is so dry that there could be more runoff than absorption and intense rain could mean flash floods.

Given the dire situation, some Southern California communities are eager to take the risk, reports CBS Los Angeles. 

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors declared a state of local emergency in Bouquet Canyon, a small community located near Santa Clarita, due to the drought.

Officials say that move will clear the way for faster action to give residents relief.

Resident Bill McCloud says he and his wife have resorted to drinking bottled water, taking shorter showers and foregoing baths.

A creek near McCloud’s home is at its lowest since he moved nearby in 1996.

“You have to be more careful and use water at lower pressure,” McCloud said.