5 Things You Need to Know Today: Dec. 21

1. The National Weather Service predicts heavy rain and possible thunderstorms through Wednesday that could create mud and debris flow. The DPW has issued a Phase One Mudflow warning. 

2. Officials at the  said there is a possibility for evacuations if the rain creates a life-threatening situation. Residents are urged to prepare themselves. If an evacuation has been ordered, residents may be notified by a pre-recorded phone call, an e-mail, text message or TTY message issued by the LASD through the Alert LA system. Deputies will also attempt to go door-to-door. Patch will report any updates or evacuations. 

3. Residents who need sandbags for flooding can find them at the following locations: Fire Station 24, 9411 Wentworth St., Sunland; Fire Station 91, 14430 Polk St., Sylmar; Council District 2 field office, 7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga; and the vacant lot at the intersection of Day St. and Pali Ave., Tujunga.

4. Need a distraction from the rain? Check out Jennifer Kim, , who is a golf prodigy from La Cañada.  Or, read up on our tips for and check out photos of the editor's persian cat.

5.  will be held today from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the , 2465 Honolulu Ave in Montrose. Children ages 5 through 12 are invited to practice reading to a therapy dog. Call the library at to (818) 548-2048 register for this event.

This article was updated at 10:57 a.m.