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Unified LA

City of Los Angeles Storm Response - Wednesday Morning Update

LOS ANGELES – The City of Los Angeles continues to respond urgently to the storm and drive recovery efforts. Emergency crews are responding to multiple reports of mud and debris flows, power outages, fallen trees, and other obstructions in the roadway.

Per the National Weather Service, light rain is expected this evening, Wednesday, between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM strong showers with possible thunderstorms are expected. Angelenos are encouraged to stay off the roads and stay vigilant Wednesday evening during the anticipated rain. The next storm update will be a paper release around 6:00 PM PT this evening. Local weather updates provided by the National Weather Service can be found here.

Visit emergency.lacity.gov for up-to-date information. 

Here is the latest information regarding the City’s response:

Evacuation Order for La Tuna Canyon Rd Lifted:

The City of Los Angeles lifted its evacuation order yesterday for La Tuna Canyon Road – located roughly within the area bounded by Horse Haven St. to the North, Martindale Ave. to the East, Penrose St. to the South and Ledge Ave. to the West. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), Bureau of Engineering, Department of Sanitation, Street Services, SoCal Gas, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the Los Angeles Police Department conducted inspections which concluded today. There is currently no immediate threat of mudslide, debris flow or other significant impacts. 

On Saturday, out of an abundance of caution, the City issued an Evacuation Warning ahead of the storm in light of an increased risk of significant flooding, mudslides, and sediment flow because of the burn scars left by the Land Fire that occurred in 2022. Angelenos are urged to remain vigilant and stay informed during continued storm impacts. 

The road closures along La Tuna Canyon Road established in support of the evacuation are no longer in effect as of Tuesday.

Emergency evacuation shelters for large animals were established prior to the Evacuation Order and will remain open for Angelenos to pick up their animals until 5:00 PM PT today at: 

Hansen Dam Horse Park 

11127 Orcas Ave. Lake View Terrace, CA 91342

Flooding:

In advance of the storm, LAFD added additional teams for swift water rescue, community emergency response (CERT), urban search and rescue, hand crews, tractor companies, helicopter pilots, command staff, and 9-1-1 dispatchers to assist the 1,000 firefighters already on duty. Over the course of the storm, firefighters assisted approximately 50 motorists stranded in water to safety and LAFD Swift Water Teams performed 5 rescues. The LAFD will continue to maintain an augmented resource deployment until the storm passes.

Mud & Debris Flows:

City agencies are responding to numerous reports of mudslides and debris flows particularly along canyon roads and hillsides. Commuters are advised to avoid driving on canyon roads. 

Reported impacts as of 10:00 AM PT, February 7:

  • 520 mudslides

  • 84 incidents of buildings reported as requiring inspection due to mudslides and slope failures

  • 12 buildings have been red tagged (no entry) 

  • 30 buildings yellow tagged (possession collection only)

  • Several buildings located along Lockridge Rd, which had previously been tagged, were reassessed as safe for entry.

Power Outages:

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has reported that as of 7:00 AM PT. Wednesday, approximately 1,585 customers remain without power. Due to crews working around the clock, 76,381 have had their power restored since the start of the storm. Currently, the most affected areas include Brentwood, Sherman Oaks and Mid-Wilshire.

Outages caused by fallen trees can take additional time to restore, as the tree limbs need to be cleared before work can begin on fixing the power structures. Other complications include flooding in multiple underground vaults which need to be located and then pumped out before repairs can take place. Storms also increase the likelihood of downed or damaged wires. Never approach or touch any wire that is down or dangling and immediately report it by calling 9-1-1.

Stormwater Capture:

In collaboration with LA County Flood Control and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, more than 7 billion gallons of stormwater has been captured in Los Angeles alone since the beginning of Sunday’s storm event, which will serve more than 86,000 households.

Public Works Storm Response:

Since this morning, bureaus with the Department of Public Works have reported the following operations and calls for service.

  • 433 fallen trees and branches

  • 659 reports of potholes

  • 1,158 catch basins and stormwater conveyance systems cleared

Augmented Winter Shelter Operations:

The City, County and Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) activated 6 additional shelters for people experiencing homelessness, in addition to the 7 previously established winter shelters.

Shelter space is available at:

  • Los Angeles

Enterprise Park

13055 Clovis Ave, Los Angeles 90059(424) 345-2236

If in need of transportation, consider saving time by requesting through 211LA.org. Angelenos can also call 2-1-1 to request transportation. The City also authorized additional hotel vouchers. 

Traffic Impacts & Road Closures:

Since 10:00 AM PT on Sunday, LAPD has reported a total of 441 traffic calls with 183 requiring medical response. Zero traffic fatalities have been reported.

Mulholland Drive is closed between Skyline Drive and Bowmont Drive. Drivers are advised to avoid canyon roads:

  • The highest likelihood of mud and debris flows is on hillsides and canyons which can lead to impassable roads.

  • Drivers are advised to avoid these areas which are at heightened risk of mudslides and sudden closures.

Sepulveda Basin road closures due to flooding:

  • Burbank Blvd is closed between the 405 FWY and Balboa Blvd

  • Woodley Ave is closed between Burbank and Victory

  • Hayvenhurst Ave. and Burbank Blvd

Additional closures due to flooding or debris:

  • Edenhurst Ave and Colorado Blvd

  • I-5 Fwy S to 110 South Interchange is closed 

Los Angeles Zoo Impacts 

The Zoo has been reopened to the public, today, Wednesday, February 7.

School Impacts:

All schools – with the exception of Topanga Elementary Charter School – are open today, Wednesday, February 7. (Topanga students reported to Woodland Hills Academy at 20800 Burbank Blvd, Woodland Hills, 91367.)

Please stay tuned for updates on LAUSD.org, on social media @LASchools, on KLCS-TV. If families and students need additional help, please contact our Family Hotline at (213) 443-1300.

Metro Updates:

LA Metro continues to provide its vital service during this storm. The agency is reporting minor delays and bus detours due to localized street flooding, but has quickly recovered from any challenges thanks to extensive pre-storm preparation.

Please check Metro’s X social media channel for real-time updates on service. People are also invited to call (323) GO-METRO (323) 466-3876 for more information.

The Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center has been activated to a Level 2 since 8:00 AM on Sunday, February 4 to respond to the severe weather event currently impacting Los Angeles and surrounding areas. A Level 2 activation is a strongly enhanced level of operation in which every necessary agency staffs the Emergency Operations Center around the clock.

Media Contact: 

unifiedLA@lacity.org

(213) 484-4855