Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is sounding the alarm and rallying City departments to brace for a potentially damaging rain and wind storm, urging residents to utilize available resources to stay safe. With heavy rain expected from Sunday through Tuesday, Angelenos are being encouraged to stay on high alert for any weather-related warnings.
"We know the severe impact that weather can have on our communities," Mayor Bass said in a statement, emphasizing that Los Angeles is prepared to safeguard residents, including those unhoused on the streets. The Mayor's press conference scheduled for 5 PM at a local fire station aims to deliver further updates on the City's readiness for the storm.
In a proactive effort, the City has coordinated with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) to expand winter shelter options and has approved shelters across various locations. These facilities will open Saturday evening and provide hundreds of additional beds for those in need. Information on these resources has been shared, with Mayor Bass calling for action ahead of the storm.
For urgent assistance during the storm, the City of Los Angeles has expanded the operating hours of its 311 service, which will provide real-time public information updates. These preparations come alongside the Los Angeles Fire Department and Police Department's readiness to handle a range of emergencies caused by the storm, from power outages to issues with the infrastructure, according to a statement obtained by mayor.lacity.gov.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has also put into motion its storm system monitoring and crew deployment plans. With the potential for downed trees and power lines, LADWP is stressing safety around such hazards and adhering to procedures to secure areas before commencing repair work, as detailed on their website. They also encourage customers to sign up for outage alerts to stay informed.
With a clear eye toward infrastructure impacts, emergency trucks will be readied by the Bureau of Street Services, as well as staffing for emergencies including tree removal and road repair. Pre-storm corridor inspections seek to prevent or minimize damages to the City's thoroughfares. These efforts are critical for ensuring that Angeles roads remain navigable during and after the storm.
City-run facilities such as parks, pools, and libraries may also face operational changes due to the inclement weather. Modifications to scheduled activities or closure announcements will be communicated, ensuring the public has access to up-to-date information regarding City services. The L.A. Zoo has preemptively closed for Monday in anticipation of the storm, taking measures to protect both guests and animals.
Los Angeles World Airports and the Port of Los Angeles are not leaving anything to chance either. They have engaged all on-call personnel and are monitoring operations closely. Passengers and businesses are urged to check for the latest updates before heading to LAX or conducting port operations.
Overall, the City of Los Angeles is taking a comprehensive approach to weather the coming storm, prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents. With these preparations and a joint effort from the community, L.A. stands ready to face whatever the storm may bring.
