Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, alongside city leaders, unveiled a comprehensive plan in response to an imminent storm heading toward the city. The city’s proactive approach aims to mitigate potential risks and safeguard residents from the anticipated adverse weather conditions.

Storm Forecast: Unprecedented Magnitude

The National Weather Service has labeled the approaching storm as “the largest of the season,” predicting it to be even more formidable than the Tropical Storm Hilary experienced in August. The storm is expected to linger, increasing the risk of flooding, heavy mountain snow, and intense winds.

Weather Warnings and Impacts

By Sunday, heavy rain, potential lightning strikes, and adverse weather conditions are anticipated across Los Angeles and Orange counties. The National Weather Service warns of dangerous, potentially life-threatening impacts, emphasizing the need for swift action to ensure public safety.

The Los Angeles River is projected to swell rapidly, becoming hazardous, prompting the NWS to advise evacuation well before the onset of rain. Flood risks extend to creeks, streams, poor draining areas, and urban zones, with the potential for flooding in low-water crossings.

Early Planning and Preparedness Measures

Mayor Bass and Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley stressed the urgency of early planning. Residents are advised to reconsider travel plans, move parked vehicles from flood-prone areas, and prepare for potential evacuation orders, particularly if residing near rivers and creeks.

Swift water rescue apparatus and fully-staffed teams are ready to respond to water-related emergencies, ensuring a proactive approach to safeguarding lives and property.

Reporting Incidents: MyLA311 Service

Residents are urged to refrain from calling 911 for non-emergencies, such as flooded roads and fallen branches. Instead, they are encouraged to use the city’s MyLA311 service to report incidents that do not pose an immediate threat to life.

Free Sandbags and Emergency Coordination

To assist residents and businesses in preparation, the L.A. City Fire Department will distribute free ready-to-fill sandbags at 106 neighborhood fire stations. The city’s emergency operations center will bring together all departments, coordinating an all-encompassing approach to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

California’s Statewide Preparations

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has activated its operations center and strategically positioned personnel and equipment in high-risk areas. Brian Ferguson, the office’s deputy director of crisis communications, emphasized the broad sweep of threats across California, extending from the state’s border with Oregon to San Diego and from the coast into the mountains over the next 10 to 14 days.

Subsequent Storms and Ongoing Preparedness

Following the initial storm, another is expected to impact the region on Wednesday, albeit with lighter intensity. Rain remains in the forecast for the remainder of the week, necessitating continuous vigilance and preparedness measures.

Sources: National Weather Service, L.A. City Fire Department, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Associated Press, City News Service.