Los Angeles is in the thick of aggressive storm recovery efforts with emergency crews tackling mudslides, power outages, fallen trees, and road obstructions, city officials announced today. In light of the continued dangers, the National Weather Service forecasts more rain this evening with strong showers and potential thunderstorms between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM, prompting warnings for residents to stay indoors and remain vigilant despite the lift of the evacuation order for La Tuna Canyon Road, per the City of Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), in association with multiple city agencies including the Bureau of Engineering, conducted inspections that revealed no immediate threats of mudslides or debris flows in the aforementioned canyon area, the evacuation warning arose after the 2022 Land Fire, which elevated the risk of flooding and slides. Emergency shelters for large animals at Hansen Dam Horse Park will stay open for animal retrieval until 5:00 PM PT today. Given the anticipated storms, the LAFD has beefed up resources, adding rescue teams, and for the storm, around 50 motorists have been escorted to safety, and five high-water rescues were executed, according to the City of Los Angeles.
Flooding aside, the city grapples with widespread power disruptions with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) reporting about 1,585 customers still in the dark as of this morning, although crews have restored service to over 76,000 since the storm's onset, areas like Brentwood, Sherman Oaks, and Mid-Wilshire remain heavily affected. Fallen trees are causing restoration delays, and LADWP cautions against approaching or touching downed wires and to report such hazards by calling 9-1-1.
Traffic disruption continues, with Mulholland Drive and parts of Sepulveda Basin on lockdown amidst debris and water hazards, this advice comes as the LAPD reported a total of 441 traffic-related calls since Sunday, including 183 necessitating medical attention but thankfully, no fatalities have been registered. Adding to the storm woes, school operations are modified with Topanga Elementary Charter School students rerouted, while the Los Angeles Unified School District keeps the public posted via LAUSD.org and its social channels, directing any additional family inquiries to the Family Hotline, as reported by the City of Los Angeles.
