LOS ANGELES – In advance of the height of the expected storm, Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, Chair of the County Board of Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath, Council President Paul Krekorian, Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, and local leaders today announced preparedness measures that the region has been taking in advance of heavy rain and winds, and urged Angelenos to stay vigilant and utilize city resources to stay safe. Watch the livestream here.
“My pledge to you is to keep you informed, and to make sure that the City is operating in an all hands on deck manner to keep Angelenos safe. ” said Mayor Karen Bass. “I’m going to make sure every City department does its part – and I’m going to make sure we are providing the people of Los Angeles with all the information they need. In turn, we need every Angeleno to use common sense to stay safe, and stay out of the way of any falling trees, falling wires, flooded roads and other hazards – let’s also keep the roads clear for our emergency crews.
Local weather updates provided by the National Weather Service can be found here.
Mayor Bass mobilized City departments to urgently prepare for the storm to ensure the safety of all Angelenos. The Mayor and her office worked with Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) to provide more augmented winter shelter vouchers and directed the approval of four Recreation and Park shelters in different areas of the City, which will provide hundreds of additional beds for unhoused Angelenos to seek shelter from the rain. LAHSA began leading outreach across the City on Monday, January 29th, with a particular focus on areas of extreme flooding like the L.A. River and the Sepulveda Basin.
For our unhoused neighbors, the Mayor's Office of Housing and Homelessness Solutions directed an increase in interim shelter and vouchers ahead of the rain and will continue to assess the need for more beds. Angelenos in need of shelter are encouraged to call 2-1-1 for transportation and more information. The four Recreation and Parks shelters opened on Saturday at 5:00 PM.
Evacuation Order for La Tuna Canyon Road:
On Sunday morning, the City of Los Angeles issued an Evacuation Order to residents along La Tuna Canyon Road, 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 area is subject to an increased risk of significant flooding, mudslides, and sediment flow because of the burn scars left by the Land Fire that occurred in 2022.
LA County Department of Public Works (LACDPW) has designated this area “Phase 3” (the highest phase), which, with very heavy rain, could bring significant flooding and mudflow/sediment deposition within McDonald Creek, Del Arroyo Drive, and La Tuna Canyon Road. LACDPW suggests that roughly 28,000 cubic yards of debris flow could occur. At this point, about 50 properties, including homes and businesses, could be covered by an evacuation order.
On Saturday, the Emergency Management Department issued a wireless emergency alert targeting those in the affected area in anticipation of the evacuation, directing them to LAFD.org/news for the latest updates on the evacuation. The Emergency Management Department made phone calls to phone numbers in the evacuation area. As of this afternoon, LAPD officers with Operation Valley Bureau visited 50 locations in person to notify residents of the order to evacuate.
Emergency evacuation centers have been activated at the following locations to support the evacuation:
Sunland Senior Citizen Center
8640 Fenwick St, Sunland, CA 91040
Lake View Terrace Recreation Center
11075 Foothill Blvd, Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
Large animals from the area can be evacuated to the following locations:
Hansen Dam Horse Park
11127 Orcas Ave. Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
LA Equestrian Center
480 Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506
Limited road closures are currently in effect in the evacuation area:
Eastbound soft closure (Resident ONLY Access) at La Tuna Canyon Rd & Sunland Blvd.
Eastbound hard closure (NO ACCESS) at La Tuna Canyon Rd & Ledge Ave.
Westbound soft closure (Resident ONLY Access) at La Tuna Canyon Rd & Honolulu Ave.
Westbound hard closure at La Tuna Canyon Rd & 210 fwy. (ONLY Freeway access allowed)
How Angelenos Can Prepare:
Angelenos should register for NotifyLA for local alerts regarding this storm. The Los Angeles City Emergency Management Department will post updates here.
Los Angeles Department of Transportation Transit Operations will make any announcements involving significant road closures or transportation impacts here.
How Angelenos Can Request Support:
In the event of a life-threatening emergency, Angelenos should call 9-1-1.
For impacts like roadway flooding, tree limbs blocking roads, or mudslides, Angelenos should request service through https://lacity.gov/myla311 or by calling 3-1-1. Angelenos can also download the MyLA311 app.
In the event of power outages or water main breaks, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers can call 1-800-DIAL-DWP or click here. If you see a downed wire, always assume it is live. Never approach or touch any wire that is down or dangling and immediately report it by calling 9-1-1.
How the City of Los Angeles is Preparing For This Storm:
Preparing City Communications To Meet Potential Increased Need:
311 will be expanding Sunday operating hours until 10:00 PM. Operating hours on Monday will be 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and may be adjusted as needed. 311 will also be providing public information updates about the storm as it progresses. Calls related to the storm will be tracked.
Preparations Made By The Los Angeles Fire Department:
The Los Angeles Fire Department is fully staffed to respond to potential rainfall impacts. Teams are coordinating and collaborating across the City to define deployment and response, including across city departments to ensure targeted responses.
To help Angelenos prepare for rainstorm needs, the Los Angeles Fire Department provided free ready-to-fill sandbags at all 106 Neighborhood Fire Stations, with sand also available for free at select locations.
The Department is also prepared to respond to lightning strikes related to the atmospheric river storm. The helicopter fleet is available for deployments and rescue. Contingency plans are in place in the event weather conditions do not permit flying.
Preparations Made By The Los Angeles Police Department:
The Los Angeles Police Department is ready to ensure that calls for service are handled and to provide support for evacuations as needed.
Each patrol division will be providing checks of critical infrastructure for fire, flooding, and wind damage.
Homeless and Housing Assistance:
The City, County, and LAHSA have activated the Augmented Winter Shelter program to provide shelter for the anticipated severe weather, and the Mayor's Office of Housing and Homelessness directed LAHSA to make more vouchers available.
If you are experiencing unsheltered homelessness and are seeking shelter, dial 2-1-1 to be referred to a shelter location closest to you, by following the following steps:
Press 4 for English
When prompted, press 3 for Emergency Food or Shelter
When prompted, press 1 for singles / couples without children seeking shelter
Angelenos may also call LAHSA’s Shelter Hotline directly at 1-800-548-6047.
The City and LAHSA will also be activating four standup shelters at our Recreation and Parks facilities, offering an additional 291 beds for our unhoused neighbors. These sites will open beginning on Saturday at 5:00 PM. We urge Angelenos to call 2-1-1 or LAHSA’s Winter Shelter Line at 1-800-548-6047, walk up to any of our Recreation and Parks sites, or connect with an outreach worker if they are seeking shelter.
Mid Valley Senior Citizen Center - 8825 Kester Ave, Panorama City, CA 91402
Lincoln Heights Senior Citizen Center - 2323 Workman St, Los Angeles, CA 90031
South LA Sports Activity Center - 7020 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90003
Oakwood Recreation Center - 767 California Ave, Venice, CA 90291
LAHD will continue to operate its hotline (866) 557-7368 to answer any landlord and tenant questions and will determine if any expanded hours are necessary, depending on storm-related calls.
How Los Angeles Is Preparing To Address Potential Power Outages:
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) crews are prepared to respond to any potential power outages. The Department will monitor the storm system closely and respond accordingly, with the ability to schedule crews to be available around the clock. LADWP call centers will also have additional staffing to accommodate any potential increases in call volume during the storm via 1-800-DIAL-DWP.
During the storm, winds could blow down large objects such as trees, or cause branches and palm fronds to strike power lines, which could cause power outages. This is especially true when soil becomes oversaturated by the rain, causing it to loosen and uproot trees. If that occurs, a crew’s first responsibility is to secure the affected area to protect the public from safety hazards posed by downed trees and power lines, followed by the removal of trees entangling LADWP power poles and power lines. Only after this is done can crews begin to conduct repair work and restore power.
LADWP also reminds customers to use caution around any downed or dangling wires or poles. If you see a downed wire, always assume it is live. Do not assume a downed wire is a communication line. Never approach or touch any wire that is down or dangling and immediately report it by calling 9-1-1.
In addition to downed trees, flooding and water intrusion into underground electrical systems may also occur, resulting in power outages. When the affected equipment is underground, crews must go from vault to vault to identify the source of the damage before repairs can take place, which can also take time.
LADWP will regularly share outage information via its newsroom, Twitter (@LADWP) and NextDoor online platforms that inform affected neighborhoods on the status of their outage.
Customers are also encouraged to sign up for outage alerts available in English and Spanish at www.ladwp.com/outages.
What Angelenos Should Do If Their Power Goes Out:
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) encourages customers to be prepared for a power outage and to stay safe by following the tips below:
Never touch a downed power line! If you see a downed wire, stay away and call 911.
Keep a flashlight and extra batteries nearby. Never use candles in a power outage or other emergency.
Keep a fully charged cell phone on hand. If your power goes out or there are outages in your neighborhood, you may lose phone service and your cordless “landline” may also lose power. Extra portable cell phone batteries are very helpful in the event of an outage.
If your power goes out:
Report outages online and track crew status at www.ladwp.com/outages or by calling 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397).
Sign up for outage alerts at www.ladwp.com/outagealert.
Switch off all lights, except for one, so you will know when your power has been restored.
Keep your refrigerator closed to keep food cold for longer.
Check on vulnerable friends and neighbors to make sure they are safe.
Preparing To Address Road Impacts:
The Bureau of Street Services, also known as StreetsLA, will have heavy-duty trucks available at all times, citywide to assist with downed trees and street blockages. StreetsLA is also making additional staff available to respond as needed.
In addition to being available for emergency response, StreetsLA is using a proactive approach similar to what was used during the 2023 winter storms. StreetsLA supervisors and personnel are proactively inspecting corridors across the City to assess any additional needs or preparations that may be required prior to the storm.
StreetsLA has already proactively identified locations for Large Asphalt Repairs, which allow for a more comprehensive repair of roadway surfaces that may have multiple potholes or defects. This is more efficient and cost-effective than individually repairing potholes, and helps prolong the life of a street.
The Bureau has proactively made recent Large Asphalt Repairs to bicycle lanes at various locations.
During the expected break in the storm on Saturday, February 3rd, StreetsLA will be investigating and making pothole repairs at locations across the City.
StreetsLA will deploy multiple divisions to assist with storm response, including but not limited to the Street Maintenance Division, which often acts as the Bureau’s first responder, and Urban Forestry Division, which is well-versed in quickly responding to tree emergencies.
StreetsLA personnel is readying various types of equipment and supplies in advance of the rain by:
Proactively collaborating with City departments, including Emergency Management Department (EMD) and other agencies as needed;
Using wet weather gear to ensure the safety and readiness of all crews in the field;
Ensuring all StreetsLA vehicles are fully fueled and ready for any situation;
Preparing “Cold Storage,” a material that allows crews to quickly fill potholes during emergencies (as opposed to the normal process of utilizing hot asphalt);
Deploying heavy equipment/vehicles – including skip loaders, dump trucks, K-rails, and earth-moving equipment – in strategic locations across the City, to be ready to handle mudslides and debris;
Having ample sand available at StreetsLA yards across the City.
In addition to proactive inspections, repairs, and scheduling, StreetsLA uses MyLA311 data to help coordinate its response to emergency services. It is imperative that Angelenos officially request repairs via MyLA311 so the Bureau can receive, inspect, and take appropriate action. Information about how to submit 311 requests is mentioned above.
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) has activated the following resources to respond to the impacts of the storm:
Emergency electrical repair crews will be on hand to respond to reports of downed traffic signals.
Traffic officers and Special Traffic Operations engineers are ready to respond to road closures and support emergency response efforts.
The Automated Traffic Systems and Coordination (ATSAC) will be monitoring road conditions to maintain safe movement of traffic and reduce congestion in the event of major road and route closures.
LADOT Transit Operations will announce any changes to routes contingent on road conditions.
Announcements involving significant road closures or transportation impacts will be updated at ladot.lacity.org/dotnews.
Preparing for Local Flooding and Wet Weather
In accordance with its departmental Wet-Weather Preparedness and Operations Plan, the Water Reclamation Plants, Clean Water Conveyance, and Watershed Protection Divisions of Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) have conducted pre-storm activities, including maximizing plant flows to relieve the sewer conveyance system and have extra staff on standby. Significant rains, as currently predicted, will add substantial flow to our sewer system, our water reclamation plants, and our stormwater system, so LASAN is on alert and ready to address any of these issues.
A Storm Commander of LASAN has been assigned to track the storm and make the necessary preparations. In addition to the Wet-Weather Preparedness and Operations plan, LASAN has a Department Emergency Plan and a Continuity of Operations Plan ready to implement as needed.
Residents are encouraged to report any flooding concerns to myLA311 by calling 3-1-1 or (213) 473-3231, visiting https://myla311.lacity.org, or using the MyLA311 mobile app.
LADWP Water System staff are conducting pre-storm inspections and have activated its Emergency Response Staff, which includes Geotech, Geology, & Reservoir Surveillance, and will be monitoring its in-basin reservoirs. In-basin reservoirs have sufficient capacity to handle increased runoff should localized flooding occur. Northern District Staff in the Eastern Sierra have also taken precautionary measures to protect the L.A. Aqueduct and local areas.
Preparing to Address Potential Building and Safety Issues:
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety will have inspection staff on standby to perform assessments of damages caused by the storm and will work closely with the Los Angeles Emergency Management Department.
Preparing For Impacts on City-Run Pools and Parks:
Park hours will be modified or closed for Monday. You can check the list here.
Recreation and Parks Rangers are available to address any public safety issues within parks.
The Forestry Division is on standby and ready to mobilize for any fallen trees in the parks system.
The Construction Division is prepared to address any damages associated with the storm. Staff will monitor, report, and document any damages caused by the storm.
The Maintenance Division is mitigating areas that have been identified as high risk of flooding in the parks system and will be on standby.
Programs being offered that may be impacted due to the storm have been canceled or modified.
Pools and recreation centers may have modified operations based on weather. Angelenos can visit the Daily Pool Operations Report for more information.
Child Care Center hours will be updated here, and Senior Center hours will be updated here.
Preparing For Impacts on Public Libraries:
Libraries will operate under normal hours. Angelenos can visit lapl.org/branches for updated hours.
Preparing For Impacts on City-Run Animal Services Facilities:
L.A. Animal Services’ Animal Control Officers and SMART (Specialized Mobile Animal and Rescue Team) are ready to respond to any evacuation or rescue efforts. SMART also works closely with LAFD and Los Angeles County’s Urban Search and Rescue/SwiftWater teams for animal-related rescues during heavy rains.
Public hours for Los Angeles City Animal Services Centers may vary due to weather. Check here for updates.
Pet owners are encouraged to bring outdoor pets indoors and keep pets inside during heavy rainfall. Make sure pets are wearing a City dog license tag with up-to-date identification and are microchipped.
Angelenos who have lost their pets can utilize the Petco Lost Love and the Lost Pet Search on the L.A. Animal Services website.
Please call 1-888-452-7381 to report stray or lost pets.
Preparing For Impacts At The Los Angeles Zoo:
L.A. Zoo animals will have access to their indoor holding areas as necessary to ensure their safety and comfort.
The Zoo will be closed on Monday. The Zoo will continuously monitor the weather and the conditions on campus to ensure the safety of guests, staff, and animals. Staff will also prioritize additional maintenance for drainage systems.
Any adjustments to Zoo operations will be updated in real-time for the public on the Zoo's website at www.lazoo.org.
Preparing For Impacts At Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA):
All of LAWA’s on-call personnel will be available to respond in case of operational impacts.
Passengers are encouraged to confirm their flight’s status before they depart for LAX and to allow for enough time to travel to and from LAX.
Facilities and maintenance staff will be on-site and monitoring for leaks and checking storm drains to ensure there is no backup.
Los Angeles Airport Police will monitor roadway conditions within the Central Terminal Area and LAWA facilities.
The Federal Aviation Administration may make any determination of ground stops in case of wind or visibility issues.
If there are major delays or cancellations, LAWA will communicate with the media and the traveling public through social channels @flyLAXairport.
As always, airlines are responsible for communicating with their passengers on delays or cancellations. LAWA encourages passengers to check the status of their flights with their airlines first.
LAWA will have guest services on-site as needed to help passengers who may need assistance if their flight is canceled.
Preparing For Impacts At The Port of Los Angeles:
Port of Los Angeles officials have been in contact with marine terminals and local stakeholders to make sure they are aware of, and prepared for, storm conditions.
Long-established protocols are in place with Los Angeles Port Pilots, the Marine Exchange of Southern California, and others to protect vessels if high winds become a factor.
Los Angeles Port Police are prepared to work closely with Port tenants, the U.S. Coast Guard Long Beach sector, and other local law enforcement, maritime fire, and emergency management agency partners in maintaining a readiness posture to respond to a climate emergency.
Language access is available for all residents requesting and receiving services related to the upcoming storm.