The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Departments of Palmdale and Lancaster are urging locals to batten down the hatches as severe weather warnings take hold of the Antelope Valley. Officials have sounded a High Wind Warning effective until 6:30 p.m. PDT Monday and a Flood Watch through Tuesday. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel. The department has stressed, "Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order," and has assured the public that maintenance staff is ready to respond to emergencies.
In preparation, sandbags are ready to be picked up at local fire stations, with a limit set at 10 per person. The availability of these can quickly be checked online. For those who need to suddenly fortify their homes, sand is freely available at Desert Sands Park, though citizens will need to bring their shovels to fill the bags. As the storm approaches, the community is reminded to stay clear of flooded areas and to report emergencies to 9-1-1 without delay. The alert also comes with a stern warning: "Do not drive around barricades or road closed signs — turn around, don’t drown!"
Shelter options have been made available for residents looking to escape the harsh conditions. Victory Outreach is opening its doors until Tuesday at 8 am, with pickups available upon request. Additionally, the Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Marie Kerr Park Recreation Center to assist those impacted by the storm. Though the storm makes its threatening approach, authorities are aiming to ensure that no one gets left behind or without shelter from the perilous conditions.
Road closures due to flooding are a stark possibility as this bout of severe weather makes its presence felt. Health and safety officials are enforcing the notion that the streets may be deceptive and that what lurks beneath flooded waters can pose unseen dangers. Citizens are therefore urged to exercise extreme caution. For those dealing with the added danger of downed power lines, appropriate actions are to call 9-1-1 and then notify Southern California Edison. Constant updates regarding the storm's progression can be accessed through the National Weather Service and local emergency alert systems.
For more detailed information on storm preparation and safety measures, as well as updates on services and assistance during the storm, visit the following resource: Los Angeles Sheriff's Department alert.
