By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
Los Angeles County and local municipal officials are preparing for a significant winter rainstorm that could bring flooding and debris flows in areas with recent burn scars, with peak rainfall anticipated through Thursday, Christmas Day, before tapering off on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Recent burn areas, including those impacted by the January wildfires, remain highly susceptible to mud and debris flows. Residents in these areas are urged to stay vigilant, monitor official weather updates, and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm—especially if they have been advised of potential mudflow risks in their neighborhoods.
Ahead of the storm, the County’s Office of Emergency Management and law enforcement agencies are warning residents in targeted areas at risk for potential debris flows to evacuate before the rain starts.
“As this storm approaches, Los Angeles County is taking decisive action to protect our communities”, said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis. “We are mobilizing County resources, coordinating across key departments, and prioritizing neighborhoods facing the greatest risk. I urge residents to prepare now, stay alert to official updates, and follow evacuation orders and warnings. Early action and cooperation are critical to keeping Angelenos safe as this storm impacts our region.” The Winter Shelter Program has been activated. Augmented winter shelters are now open for unhoused residents. Locations are listed at lahsa.org/winter-shelter. Call 2-1-1 for bed availability and transportation info.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies are proactively conducting targeted outreach, including door knocks, to pre-identified, vulnerable residences recognized by Public Works to notify them of evacuation warnings and orders, which will go into effect today at 11 am.
The Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Services Team has continued to engage unhoused individuals residing in and around local waterways to inform them of the storm and offer supportive services to help them prepare.
The Sheriff’s and Fire Departments have activated key resources, including Search and Rescue Teams and air resources staffed with swiftwater rescue swimmers. Incident Management Teams are on alert and resources have been strategically pre-positioned.
The Sheriff’s Department is collecting Mobile Field Force rosters from all stations to ensure personnel are ready and available to respond to any critical incident that may arise during the storm. Additionally, Department Operations Centers, in conjunction with the County Emergency Operations Center, will be activated and operational for the duration of the storm.
All residents are encouraged to:
- Sign up for emergency alerts at lacounty.gov.
- Download the Genasys Alert mobile app or visit 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 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:
- Have an emergency plan that is easy for all family members to understand.
- Monitor radio and TV news closely for information about weather conditions and flooding in your area.
- Be prepared to leave immediately, if an evacuation is ordered. Have alternate evacuation routes out of your neighborhood.
- Identify important items to take, if your neighborhood is evacuated (e.g., photos, important documents, medications, and other essential items for your family and pets).
- 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 who has been 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.
In Los Angeles City, Mayor Karen Bass said an evacuation warning will be in effect from 11 am today through 11 pm Thursday, December 25, for the Palisades, Sunset, and Hurst burn scar areas. The LAPD is currently issuing Evacuation Orders via door knocks to especially vulnerable addresses. All Angelenos – especially those in burn scar areas – are encouraged to stay informed and use caution while driving on roads that could be flooded.
“Los Angeles City personnel continue preparing for the storm this holiday week. First responders, public works crews, and utility personnel are ready to respond to potential impacts due to the weather,” said Bass. “Angelenos planning to travel to spend time with family and loved ones this holiday week should follow official guidance, use caution on the roads, plan ahead, and stay informed. Sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyLA.org.”
Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris said Lancaster can expect a multi-day storm system bringing periods of heavy rain and high winds beginning this afternoon and continuing through Saturday evening.
“While this storm may build over several days, I want to assure you that the City of Lancaster is fully prepared and taking proactive steps to keep our community safe,” said Parris. “Our Public Works teams have cleared storm drains citywide and will be on standby 24/7 throughout the duration of the storm to respond quickly to any issues. City staff are coordinating closely across departments and with regional partners to monitor conditions and address concerns as they arise.”
Parris advised residents that if they encounter flooding, debris, or any storm-related hazard, they should call the city’s Public Works 24/7 Hotline at (661) 723-5985. Reporting what you see helps the City respond faster and prevent further damage, he said.
Meanwhile, the City of El Segundo has posted notices that city residents are eligible to pick up sandbags starting today at the City Yard, 150 Illinois Street. There is a limit of six bags per vehicle, and proof of residency is needed.
