Presidents’ Day Storm Updates: Mayor Bass Announces City Preparedness Measures Ahead of Week of Forecasted Wet Weather Across L.A. Region

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Evacuation Warning Remains in Effect for Recent Burn Scar Areas; All Angelenos Encouraged to Sign Up for Emergency Alerts at NotifyLA.org

LOS ANGELES - The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted heavy to moderate rain and a chance of high winds and thunderstorms across the L.A. region starting today, Presidents' Day, through Wednesday, February 18. The heaviest rain is expected today through at least 6:00 PM. Light to moderate rain is expected through Friday, February 20.

"Again, this is likely to be another significant weather event that could cause high surfs, flooded roadways, downed trees, and mud and debris flows that Angelenos need to take seriously," said Mayor Bass. "I urge all Angelenos - especially those in burn scar areas - to follow official guidance, use caution on the roads, plan ahead, and stay informed. Sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyLA.organd report any non life-threatening flooding, fallen trees, or other damage to 311, which will be operating under extended hours today."

City of Los Angeles Alerts

• An Evacuation Warningwent into effect on Sunday, February 15, and will remain in effect through at least Tuesday, February 17, at 9:00 AM for the Palisades, Sunset, and Hurst burn scar areas due to the potential for mud and debris flows. An Evacuation Warning is issued when there is the potential for hazardous conditions. Residents in the affected area should review their plans, gather essentials, and be prepared to leave if necessary.

National Weather Service Alerts

• A Flood Watch will go into effect for the City of Los Angeles today, Monday, February 16, at 9:00 AM and will remain in effect until at least 9:00 PM tonight.

• A Wind Advisorywill remain in effect for the City of Los Angeles until at least 6:00 PM tonight.

• A High Surf Advisorywill go into effect today at 10:00 AM and will remain in effect until Thursday, February 19, at 6:00 PM for the Pacific Palisades, Playa del Rey, San Pedro, and Port of Los Angeles areas. Angelenos are encouraged to avoid the ocean.

• A Gale Warning, which includes sustained surface winds near coastal areas, remains in effect for all inner waters near the Pacific Palisades, Playa del Rey, San Pedro, and Port of Los Angeles areas. Angelenos are encouraged to avoid boating until the weather is calmer.

Follow weather updates from the National Weather Service at weather.gov/lox.

The City's Emergency Operations Center is activated and the Mayor's Office will continue coordinating with the Emergency Management Department, LAFD, LAPD, L.A. County Public Works, and relevant City Departments to ensure all personnel are ready to respond as needed to keep Angelenos safe.

City Preparedness Measures

Following the January 2025 wildfires, Mayor Bass issued an Emergency Executive Ordermarshaling City Public Works crews to remove vegetation, install reinforced barriers, shore up hillsides, and clear debris from neighborhoods and burn areas. Much of these mitigation measures remain in place throughout Pacific Palisades, including sandbags and 13,000 feet of K-rail. Additionally:

• The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has pre-deployed specialized resources that can assist with swift water rescues, mud and debris flows, and other rain-related issues with a specific focus in burn scar areas.

• The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is prepared to assist with any evacuation orders or other emergencies as needed.

• The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is ready to respond to any potential power outages and will work around the clock to meet customer demand.

• Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) teams have been conducting outreach to inform Angelenos of the weather and to provide them with safety information and supplies, especially those near waterways and areas prone to flooding. Hotel vouchers are being activated through outreach teams for Angelenos in need.

• Street Services crews are on standby and ready to respond to any impacts to roadways. LADOT and the Bureau of Engineering will continue to monitor known landslide-risk areas that could impact roadway access.

• LA Sanitation crews are monitoring the City's wastewater conveyance system to manage incoming water flow. Crews regularly clean and monitor the 18 debris basins in the Palisades area to ensure the capture of mudflow from the burn scar areas and to allow stormwater to flow unobstructed into the storm drain system.

• Los Angeles World Airports personnel are prepared to respond in case of operational impacts. Passengers are encouraged to confirm their flight's status before they depart for LAX.

• The Tujunga Dam is being monitored by LA County Public Works to assess the need for any dam releases that could affect the Oro Vista/Arizona Crossing. Notifications and coordination among County and City partners will continue through the period of wet weather.

• Caltrans closeda 3.6-mile stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard/State Route 27 (SR-27) between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive yesterday, Sunday, February 15, to reduce the risk of mud and debris flows.

Resources For Angelenos

• All Angelenos are encouraged to sign up for Emergency Alerts at NotifyLA.org.

• Residents can pick up free sandbags at all Fire Stationsthroughout the City, with sand also available for free at select locations. Please call your nearest Fire Station beforehand to confirm sand availability.

• Call 911 for life-threatening situations. If you see flooding, fallen trees, or other significant damage that isn't immediately life-threatening, report it by calling 311 or visiting MyLA311 | City of Los Angeles, which will operate under extended hours today, Monday, February 16, from 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM.

• Always assume any downed power lines are electrified and dangerous. In the event of a power outage:

  • Report power outages at www.ladwp.com/outagesor by calling 1-800-DIAL-DWP(1-800-342-5397).

  • LADWP customers can sign up to receive outage alerts via text or email at www.ladwp.com/outagealert.

  • LADWP also shares updates on outage restoration progress to affected communities via NextDoor.com.