Many Southern California schools remain open despite flooding

Most Southern California school districts, including Los Angeles Unified, the nation's second largest, planned to keep most classrooms open Monday, officials said, even as the state battled heavy rains, flooding and mudslides.

Many students rely on schools for basic nutrition, Los Angeles Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said at a news conference Sunday, explaining why he decided not to close most of the district. The impact of wind and rain will also vary widely by neighborhood, he said, meaning many schools won't be as badly affected.

On Monday morning, Los Angeles Unified said winds were expected to subside in the morning, citing it as a reason to keep schools open.

Los Angeles Unified has more than 400,000 students in more than 700 schools throughout the district. At least one, Vinedale College Preparatory Academy in Sun Valley, will be closed because it is in a mandatory evacuation area. According to the district, those students report to another school.

More than 85,000 people in Los Angeles County and Ventura County were under a flash flood warning until 9 a.m. Pacific on Monday, the National Weather Service said.

Other Southern California counties, including Santa Monica-Malibu, Long Beach and San Diego, also had not announced plans to close as of early Monday morning.

Long Beach Unified School District said on social media it would trim trees and remove debris from roofs to “eliminate potential hazards.” Parents were also asked to prioritize safety and allow more time for drop-off and pick-up.

Santa Barbara Unified Schools, a smaller district north of Los Angeles, closed Monday as a precaution, officials said. “This decision prioritizes the safety and well-being of our students and staff during potentially hazardous weather conditions,” the school district said in a statement.