As Los Angeles County braces for an approaching storm with the potential for mudslides and flooding, particularly in areas recently ravaged by wildfires, authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and prepared. According to a press release, a Flood Watch will be active from tomorrow afternoon through Wednesday evening. These precarious conditions are a direct result of January's wildfires, which have left the land vulnerable to debris flows.
Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Hilda L. Solis, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “As this storm approaches, Los Angeles County is taking decisive action to protect our communities.” With the Winter Shelter Program now active, residents without housing can find refuge in augmented winter shelters, the locations of which are listed at lahsa.org/winter-shelter. In advance of the storm, official alerts and weather updates are suggested to be monitored by residents, and awareness is heightened for those in neighborhoods alerted to potential mudflow risks.
Efforts to enhance safety include targeted outreach by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies, who are performing door knocks to warn identified vulnerable residences of evacuation. Underscoring their proactive measures, the Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Services Team is also working to engage and assist unhoused individuals in local waterways, prepare for the storm. Key emergency services such as Search and Rescue Teams and swiftwater rescue swimmers are on alert with strategically pre-positioned resources.
Residents are advised to sign up for emergency alerts at lacounty.gov and to download the Genasys Alert mobile app or visit genasys.com for evacuation updates. For mud and debris flow forecasts and preparedness resources, visiting the Los Angeles County Public Works website at dpw.lacounty.gov/wrd/forecast/index.cfm and lacounty.gov/rain is encouraged. Citizens should have an emergency plan in place that family members can easily understand, and they are strongly encouraged to heed official instructions and alerts during the storm.
In the event of evacuations, authorities remind the community to be ready to leave at a moment's notice, choose alternate evacuation routes, and prioritize the safety of all individuals by avoiding crossing flooded areas on foot or by vehicle. Especially during periods of heavy rain, flood control channels, catch basins, canyons, and natural waterways should be avoided due to their susceptibility to flooding. In an emergency where someone is caught in moving water, the public is instructed to call 9-1-1 and not to attempt a personal rescue. Instead, if possible, throw a rope or fa lotation device to the individual in need.
