The National Weather Service upgraded the severity of an early-season winter storm in Los Angeles County late last night, bringing heavy rain, wind gusts, thunderstorms and the potential for mudslides and debris flows in recent burn scar areas.
Ahead of the storm’s arrival, Los Angeles County officials have issued evacuation warnings to communities at-risk of debris flows. Residents under an evacuation warning should prepare plans to leave their homes if they receive an order to evacuate. To monitor your evacuation status, visit protect.genasys.com.
“As today’s storm intensifies, I cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of heeding evacuation warnings and orders,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “These alerts are issued to protect lives. Conditions can change quickly, and once debris flows begin, it may be too late for emergency crews to reach you.”
Los Angeles County Public Works has increased its mud and debris flow projections to Phase 2. This means that moderate debris and mudflows are possible at more widespread locations. Some streets may be entirely blocked by debris. Depending on location and terrain, some structures may be endangered; in addition those advised to be prepared to evacuate with any forecast of rain. Potentially vulnerable locations include the Eaton, Palisades, Hawk, Hurst, Kenneth, Sunset, Lidia, Bridge, Canyon, Hughes and Franklin burn areas.
All residents are encouraged to:
- Sign up for emergency alerts at alert.lacounty.gov
- Download the Genasys Alert mobile app or visit protect.genasys.com to view your evacuation status.
- Find the nearest sand and sandbag distribution site at https://pw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags/
- View the Los Angeles County Public Works mud and debris flow forecast for their area at https://dpw.lacounty.gov/wrd/forecast/index.cfm
- Visit ready.lacounty.gov/rain for the latest rain preparedness tips and resources.
- Have an emergency plan in place that is easy for all family members to understand.
During and after the storm, all residents are strongly encouraged to:
- Monitor radio and TV news closely for information about weather conditions and flooding in your area.
- Stay away from flood control channels, catch basins, canyons, and natural waterways which are vulnerable to flooding during periods of heavy rain.
- Do not attempt to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water on foot or in a vehicle.
If you see someone swept into moving water, do not enter the water and attempt a rescue. Immediately call 9-1-1 and, if possible, throw a rope or some type of flotation device to them.
Additionally, Los Angeles City Mayor Karen Bass issued an evacuation order and warning for nearly 115 properties in the Pacific Palisades, Sunset, and Hurst burn scar areas that are in effect through 6:00 AM Wednesday, October 15, and are vulnerable to potential debris flows.
The City’s Emergency Operations Center was activated this morning and the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety is coordinating with the Emergency Management Department, LAFD, LAPD, L.A. County Public Works, the State of California and relevant City Departments to ensure all personnel are ready to respond as needed to keep Angelenos safe.
Resources For Angelenos
- Residents can pick up sand and sandbags at Fire Stations throughout the City if needed, including stations 19, 23, 69, and 71 near Pacific Palisades. Please call your nearest Fire Station beforehand to confirm sand availability.
- Call 911 for life-threatening situations. If you see flooding, fallen trees, or other significant damage that isn’t immediately life threatening, report it by calling 311 or visiting https://lacity.gov/myla311. To improve response times during this weather event, 311 hours have been extended to 5 AM – 10 PM on Tuesday, October 14th, and Wednesday, October 15.
- Assume any downed power lines are electrified and dangerous. In the event of a power outage:
- Report power outages at www.ladwp.com/outages or by calling 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397).
- LADWP customers can sign up to receive outage alerts via text or email at www.ladwp.com/outagealert.
- LADWP also shares updates on outage restoration progress to affected communities via NextDoor.com.
