LOS ANGELES – Continuing extensive preparations, Mayor Karen Bass this evening signed a local emergency declaration in response to the coming storm. Earlier today, the City of Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center transitioned to a Level 2 Activation.
Read the full text of the emergency declaration here or below:
DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY
By virtue of the authority vested in me, as Mayor of the City of Los Angeles, pursuant to the provisions of Los Angeles Administrative Code Section 8.27, I hereby find that:
WHEREAS, On August 18, 2023, a tropical storm intensified into a Category 4 hurricane known as Hurricane Hilary off the southwestern coast of Mexico, with 145 mph sustained winds and stronger gusts as it approached Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula through August 19, 2023; and
WHEREAS, On August 18, 2023, the National Weather Service issued an unprecedented Tropical Storm Warning for the Southern California Region, including all of Los Angeles County; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service issued an advisory that now Tropical Storm Hilary will potentially bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and hazardous seas to the Southern California region, including Los Angeles County; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service issued a series of Flood Watches on August 18, 2023, warning of potential significant flooding between August19, 2023, and August 22, 2023, in the Southern California region, including Los Angeles County; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service issued a series of Flash Flood Warnings on August 18, 2023, for several Southern California counties; and
WHEREAS, threats of lightning and significant wind impacts with gusts up to or exceeding 70 miles per hour are anticipated in mountainous areas throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles County, and are likely to exacerbate fire conditions; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service has warned that Tropical Storm Hilary may bring the potential for isolated tornadoes across portions of Southern California; and
WHEREAS, on August 19, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for much of Southern California, including Los Angeles County, to support Tropical Storm Hilary response and recovery efforts as the state continues mobilizing and coordinating resources ahead of the storm’s forecasted impacts; and
WHEREAS, as early as August 20, 2023, the City of Los Angeles is predicted to experience significant impacts as a result of high winds and heavy rain brought on by the impacts of this tropical storm system; and
WHEREAS, Tropical Storm Hilary is predicted to cause extreme conditions such as power outages, damage to power poles, fallen trees, slope failures, numerous locations with substantial mud and debris flows and flooding, and red and yellow tagged structures; and
WHEREAS, the City of Los Angeles is predicted to experience multiple road closures and related water damage, impacting significant transportation arteries requiring long-term repairs and threatening the integrity of the City’s infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, Tropical Storm Hilary is expected to prompt widespread evacuations and shelter-in-place orders; to threaten, damage, or destroy homes and critical infrastructure, including power and water lines, businesses, and roads; and to necessitate the deployment of search and rescue teams; and
WHEREAS, based upon the above events, and the need to put City resources and personnel in place prior to the arrival of the storm to protect the health and safety of the City’s residents, there exists the potential that said incidents are likely to become beyond the control of the normal services, personnel, equipment and facilities of the regularly constituted branches and departments of the City Government:
NOW, THEREFORE, I HEREBY DECLARE the existence of a Local Emergency throughout the City of Los Angeles.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Emergency Operations Organization (EOO) be immediately activated to take such steps that are necessary for the protection of life and property.
I FURTHER ORDER that all City Departments impacted by this event, and its ongoing effects, continue to conduct damage assessments and collect cost estimates for the purpose of seeking State and Federal disaster assistance.
I FURTHER ORDER that widespread publicity and notice be given of such Declaration through the most feasible and adequate means of disseminating such notice throughout the City.
I HEREBY REQUEST that the Governor waive regulations that may hinder response and recovery efforts; that recovery assistance be made available under the California Disaster Assistance Act; and that the State expedite access to State and Federal resources and any other appropriate Federal; disaster relief programs.