LA County Urges Local Residents to be Vigilant and Prepare Now for Significant Storm Event

With a significant storm event expected to reach LA County as early as Saturday evening, Los Angeles County Public Works has staged equipment in potentially vulnerable locations across the LA Basin and Antelope Valley and mobilized its workforce across the region to protect local communities. 

Rainfall estimates for the upcoming storm range from 3-6 inches in coastal areas and valleys and 6-12 inches in foothills and mountains. There is also potential for widespread flooding, significant mud and debris flow in burn areas with less than four years of recovery, damaging winds, and heavy mountain snow.  

LA County Public Works and its partnering agencies urge residents to take proactive measures now to prepare for storm-related emergencies: 

• Visit READY.LACounty.gov for valuable storm tips, like free sandbag distribution locations and to sign up for automatic emergency alerts. 
• Develop an emergency plan and know your property’s risk factors for flooding. 
• Follow the instructions of law enforcement if told to evacuate. 
• Clear drainage paths. Use sandbags to direct runoff and protect structures. 
• Stay tuned to local weather reports. Follow the instructions of law enforcement if told to evacuate. 
• Keep trash cans and vehicles off the street to allow stormwater to travel freely. 
• Find storm-related news on social media using the hashtag: #LARain 
• Motorists should avoid non-essential travel during the storm. If you must be on the road, slow down. Avoid driving on mountain roads or into ponded- or swift-moving water. 

To report storm-related damage, traffic signal outages, flooding, or other concerns, call the LA County Public Works 24-hour Dispatch Center at 1-800-675-HELP (4357).