Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis issued a local emergency proclamation Wednesday in preparation for the anticipated arrival of El Niño conditions, citing the potential for heavier rainfall, flooding, landslides and debris flows during the storm season.
The proclamation is intended to strengthen coordination among county departments and state partners and comes two days after Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a statewide emergency to prepare California for what officials say could be a historic El Niño season.
“El Niño could bring heavier rainfall and increase the risk of flooding, landslides and debris flows across Los Angeles County, and we cannot wait for the first storm to act,” Solis said. “This proclamation strengthens our ability to coordinate resources and respond quickly, but preparation starts now.”
County officials said departments are already preparing for potentially severe weather.
The Department of Public Works is inspecting and maintaining flood-control infrastructure and preparing sandbag distribution sites, while the county Office of Emergency Management and Countywide Communications are working to strengthen emergency response and communication systems, according to Solis’ office.
The county Fire and Sheriff’s departments, along with the Department of Homeless Services and Housing, Department of Aging and Disabilities and other agencies, are preparing for possible evacuations, emergency shelter, outreach and other needs, officials said.
County teams are also preparing to assist people who could need additional help during severe weather, including homeless residents, older adults and people with disabilities.
Newsom on Monday proclaimed a state of emergency throughout California, directing state agencies to stage flood-fighting supplies and other equipment, protect infrastructure and prepare communities for severe winter weather.
The governor’s proclamation also directs the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and other state agencies to expand multilingual public outreach about flooding, emergency alerts, evacuation readiness and power outages.
State officials said El Niño is strengthening, with a greater than 90% chance of a very strong event this fall and winter and a 75% chance it could reach historic strength.
El Niño is a natural climate pattern marked by warmer-than-average ocean temperatures in the tropical eastern Pacific that can alter weather patterns. State officials have warned that the coming season could bring repeated heavy rain, strong winds, mountain snow, flooding, landslides, debris flows, large waves and coastal flooding.
During a state briefing Monday, Laura Hollander of the Department of Water Resources said Southern California could experience increased storms during the El Niño season, with coastal erosion a concern as strong storms make landfall.
Los Angeles County officials urged residents to sign up for emergency alerts, prepare evacuation plans, clear gutters and storm drains, check roofs for leaks and keep enough food, water, medications and other essential supplies for up to 10 days.
Residents who live near hillsides, canyons, recent burn areas or flood-prone locations were also urged to learn about potential flood, mudflow and debris-flow risks.
Residents seeking property-specific preparedness guidance can call Los Angeles County Public Works at 800-933-0930. People seeking assistance for someone experiencing homelessness can call 2-1-1.
More preparedness information is available at ready.lacounty.gov.