Los Angeles residents were asked to remain indoors Sunday as rain began to fall ahead of Tropical Storm Hilary making landfall in Southern California, with heavy downpours and flooding expected toward the middle of the day.
With Southern California under a tropical storm watch for the first time in its history, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a State of Emergency, and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass did likewise and activated the city’s Emergency Operations Center at Level 2 — one level short of the most critical status.
“Over the past few days, the city family has been working around the clock to prepare for the storm, and we are just beginning to see it hit Los Angeles,” Bass said at a Sunday morning briefing. “Our message today is clear: Stay safe, stay home and stay informed. This is an unprecedented weather event, but Los Angeles has deep experience responding to crisis, whether it be wildfire or earthquakes. The city is prepared,” Bass said
“.. .Our primary mission of course is to protect the life and property of Angelenos. Second, we need to keep our city workers safe. Third, we must ensure that city services are operating as best as possible given the circumstances.”
Hilary was weakening from a hurricane to a tropical storm off the coast of Baja California, but it is still expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and likely dangerous flooding to some areas, particularly the mountains and the Antelope Valley.
Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who is the incident commander for the storm, said 1.5 to 3 inches of rain was forecast for the Los Angeles area, along with winds of 20 to 30 mph. The Antelope Valley and San Gabriel Mountain areas, outside Los Angeles city limits, were expected to get the brunt of the storm, with 3 to 7 inches of rain and stronger winds, Crowley said.
Flash flooding and coastal flooding and dangerous rip tides were also expected, Crowley said.
The storm is expected to remain in the Southland through Monday morning, likely clearing out by early afternoon, with scattered thunderstorms possible Tuesday.
Bass said Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho would decide later Sunday whether to cancel classes Monday.
State and local officials said extra resources were in place, and utilities were also fully staffed to deal with any power outage or other emergencies. Los Angeles residents were asked to call 800-DIAL-DWP (342-5397) for power outages or a water line breakage.
For truly life-threatening emergencies, LA residents were asked to call 911. For impacts such as roadway flooding, tree limbs blocking roads or mudslides, Angelenos should request service online or by calling 311.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it was coordinating with California officials to provide support as needed. FEMA pre-positioned supplies at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, and a FEMA Incident Management Assistance Team deployed to the California Office of Emergency Services and is prepared to assist with any requests for federal assistance. Additional teams were on standby for deployment if necessary, officials said.
Since Friday city official have been warning people experiencing homelessness about to potential dangers of the extreme weather event.
“Outreach began (Friday) to communicate flood warnings, the need to evacuate the City’s waterways and the expected dangerous weather conditions over the weekend,” Clara Karger, Bass’ press secretary, told City News Service. “Outreach resumed (Saturday) morning at 7 a.m. and continued through the evening for people living in high risk areas with teams urging people to enter nearby City temporary emergency shelters.
“The Mayor’s Office worked with LAHSA (The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority) and City Departments to open temporary emergency shelters located near high risk areas, which opened this afternoon, and the City will offer transportation to shelters as a part of outreach efforts. Additional shelter will open (Sunday).”
Bass added that “recreation and parks facilities have been pre-identified should evacuation and our shelters be needed.”
The following shelters were already open as of Saturday:
— North Hollywood Recreation Center, 11430 Chandler Blvd.
— Lake View Terrace Recreation Center, 11075 Foothill Blvd.
— Lanark Park, 21816 Lanark St.
— Glassell Recreation Center, 3650 Verdugo Road.
— Yosemite Recreation Center, 1840 Yosemite D.
— South LA Activity Center, 7020 S Figueroa St.
For people who cannot move, storm provisions including tarps and emergency blankets are being provided.
Bass said Friday that she received a call from Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to let her know he will be available 24/7 as the city weathers the storm. The city has federal support on hand “should we need it,” she added.
“311 will be expanding operating hours if there is a high call volume. LAFD Fire Chief (Kristin) Crowley will oversee the Emergency Operations Center. The fire department is fully staffed to respond to this potential rainfall as it impacts, and teams are coordinating and collaborating across the city,” Bass said.
California’s National Guard contingent has also “strategically pre-positioned resources throughout Southern California” as part of the statewide effort to prepare for the storm, officials said Saturday.
The Department of Water and Power has restoration crews fully staffed and ready to respond to any power outages. Streets L.A., L.A. Sanitation and the Department of Transportation are taking steps to ensure roads are operational — before, during and after the storm — according to Bass.
Animal shelters and specialized rescue teams are ready to respond to evacuations or rescue in the event of such incidents in the city. The central library will be providing rain ponchos and T-shirts to patrons while supplies last.
“As the city prepares, we need Angelenos to prepare. Angelenos should register for Notify LA for local alerts regarding the storm. Angelenos can follow at ReadyLA on social media channels for event developments and general resources to stay informed,” Bass said.
The mayor urged Angelenos to stay away from the shoreline and beaches throughout the duration of the storm.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department helicopters were reported flying over riverbed areas to warn unsheltered residents about the potential dangers of the storm.
Hurricane safety tips and resources can viewed at noaa.gov/hurricane-prep.
In the event of power outages or water main breakages, DWP customers can call 800-DIAL-DWP (342-5397).
Crowley said Angelenos can pick up free ready-to-fill sandbags at neighborhood fire stations.
Los Angeles County officials announced Saturday that all county parks, buildings and facilities would be closed Sunday and Monday, including, but not limited to:
— Picnic shelters;
— Playgrounds;
— Multi-use trails;
— Restrooms;
— Botanical gardens and arboretums;
— Lakes and swim beaches;
— Pools and aquatic centers
— Natural areas and nature centers
— Performance venues.
While the parks are not fenced in, visitors are encouraged to stay home.