U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will start flood-proofing sections of the L.A. River by clearing vegetation to improve water flow and lining some of its banks with what's known as a HESCO Bastion barrier.

You may have never heard of the HESCO barrier, but it is a go-to flood control method for the Army Corps.
The thinking is, with more rains on the way, water levels could jump the banks. These barriers would be crucial for keeping nearby homes  and businesses safe.

But what exactly is a HESCO barrier?
Imagine a steel wire crate, four feet tall and three feet wide, lined with a plastic canvas and then filled with dirt. Line up several of these in a row and you have a quick and sturdy wall.