Residents Urged to Monitor and Heed Evacuation Warnings and Orders Ahead of Strong Storm System
Storm will bring potentially life-threatening mudslides and flooding to areas impacted by recent fires
The National Weather Service has upgraded the severity of an early season winter storm that will arrive in Los Angeles County tonight, bringing heavy rain, wind gusts, thunderstorms and the potential for mudslides and debris flows in recent burn scar areas.
Ahead of the storm’s arrival, Los Angeles County officials have issued evacuation warnings to communities at-risk of debris flows. Residents under an evacuation warning should prepare plans to leave their homes if they receive an order to evacuate. To monitor your evacuation status, visit protect.genasys.com.
“As today’s storm intensifies, I cannot emphasize strongly enough the importance of heeding evacuation warnings and orders,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “These alerts are issued to protect lives. Conditions can change quickly, and once debris flows begin, it may be too late for emergency crews to reach you.”
Los Angeles County Public Works has increased its mud and debris flow projections to Phase 2. This means that moderate debris and mudflows are possible at more widespread locations. Some streets may be completely blocked by debris. Depending on location and terrain, some structures may be endangered, in addition those advised to be prepared to evacuate with any forecast of rain. Potentially vulnerable locations include the Eaton, Palisades, Hawk, Hurst, Kenneth, Sunset, Lidia, Bridge, Canyon, Hughes and Franklin burn areas.
All residents are encouraged to:
- Sign up for emergency alerts at alert.lacounty.gov
- Download the Genasys Alert mobile app or visit protect.genasys.com to view your evacuation status.
- Find the nearest sand and sandbag distribution site at https://pw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags/
- View the Los Angeles County Public Works mud and debris flow forecast for their area at https://dpw.lacounty.gov/wrd/forecast/index.cfm
- Visit ready.lacounty.gov/rain for the latest rain preparedness tips and resources.
- Have an emergency plan in place that is easy for all family members to understand.
During and after the storm, all residents are strongly encouraged to:
- Monitor radio and TV news closely for information about weather conditions and flooding in your area.
- Stay away from flood control channels, catch basins, canyons, and natural waterways which are vulnerable to flooding during periods of heavy rain.
- Do not attempt to cross flooded areas and never enter moving water on foot or in a vehicle.
If you see someone who has been swept into moving water, do not enter the water and attempt a rescue. Immediately call 9-1-1 and, if possible, throw a rope or some type of flotation device to them.