The City of Los Angeles is in full-throttle response mode as it weathers its second strong storm of the month, and crews are on deck to keep the city running despite the onslaught of rain and potential hazards. The city's Emergency Operations Center is now operating at Level 2, signifying a heightened state of readiness with round-the-clock staffing from every necessary agency, according to Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass.
Efforts to proactively safeguard the city against damage include reinforcing hillsides to prevent landslides, and ensuring that power outages are swiftly addressed. Over 4,000 potholes have been repaired in the past week alone as the city works to quickly recover from the damage wrought by the early February storms. The National Weather Service has forecasted that the most intense rainfall is expected to hit late Tuesday into Tuesday night. Citizens are strongly urged to sign up for NotifyLA, the city's local alert system, to stay informed about the storm's developments.
In preparation for the incoming storm, the Los Angeles Fire Department has bolstered its ranks with additional swift-water rescue teams, urban search and rescue, and command staff, as detailed in the Mayor's office statement. To assist with storm-related damages, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety has inspection staff ready for post-storm assessments and has been working alongside the Emergency Management Department, as per Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass.
Power outages remain a concern, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has reset power to over 5,763 customers, though currently, 1,431 customers are still experiencing outages in areas including Brentwood, Granada Hills, Manchester Square, and University Park. Traffic officers are directing drivers clear of high-risk areas, and some roads, including a portion of Mulholland Drive, have been shut down as a precaution to prevent any accidents. The city also coordinates with Caltrans to respond to further infrastructure impacts like the closure of the Northbound 405 Freeway off-ramp due to a sinkhole.
For up-to-date information on road closures, power outages, and emergency services, Angelenos are directed to visit the Emergency Operations Center's Joint Information Center or call their hotline at (213) 484-4855. More comprehensive details on the recovery from the early February storm and additional resources can be found on the city's emergency website.
