Holiday Storm Evening Update: Mayor Bass Issues Local Declaration of Emergency to Continue City's Proactive Response

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City First Responders, Public Works Crews Working to Keep Angelenos Safe Around the Clock

311 Hours Extended Today to 10:00 PM; 7:00 AM-10:00 PM Christmas Day

LOS ANGELES - Mayor Karen Bass today issued a Declaration of Local Emergencyto ensure the City has the required resources to continue responding to the impacts of this holiday storm.

"We are making every resource and tool available to help facilitate the City's continued response effort, including a declaration of a local emergency that I signed to ensure that City teams have the required resources in the days ahead," said Mayor Bass. "Again, I am urging all Angelenos to stay safe and be extremely careful on the roads if you absolutely must travel. Please do not take this storm lightly - follow official guidance, plan ahead, and sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyLA.org."

The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecasted a storm with heavy rain and wind impacting the L.A. region through Saturday, December 27, with peak rainfall anticipated through December 25, Christmas Day.

Latest updates from the National Weather Service and the City of Los Angeles

• A Flash Flood Warningexpired at 6:00 PM today, December 24, in Los Angeles. A Flood Warningremains in place for northern parts of the city, including the San Fernando Valley, until 6:00 AM on Thursday, December 25. The City of Los Angeles remains under a Flood Advisoryuntil 6:00 AM on Thursday. The NWS issues a Flood Warning when flooding is imminent or occurring. A Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property, according to the NWS.

• An Evacuation Warningremains in effect through 11:00 PM on Thursday, December 25, for the Palisades, Sunset, and Hurst burn scar areas. The LAPD issued Evacuation Ordersvia door knocks to vulnerable addresses. The LAPD reports that locations where they have received no response were notified twice and a written notice was delivered.

• LAPD has also issued mandatory Evacuation Ordersfor residents in the Riverwood neighborhood due to the partial release of the Tujunga Dam by L.A.County Public Works personnel. This partial release was initiated to prevent potential flooding in the surrounding area. LAPD and LAFD will remain on scene to respond as needed and out of an abundance of caution.

Current Reported Impacts

• The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has deployed teams to three river rescue incidents.

• The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has responded to more than 100 traffic accidents. LAPD reports no traffic-related injuries or deaths.

• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) crews are working to restore power to 7,783 reported outages.

• Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) crews are working to restore 5 traffic signals that are experiencing outages.

• City crews are working to address reports of nearly 500 tree emergencies, including downed trees and fallen branches, across the city.

• The Sepulveda Basin and Topanga Canyon Boulevard are closed.

• Recreation and Parks facilities are closed on Christmas Day as scheduled.

• The Zoo will be closed on Christmas Day as previously scheduled.

Resources Strategically Deployed

Following the January 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:

• LAFD augmented staffing of 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, including a helicopter with crew, three swift water rescue teams, an urban search and rescue team, and a Cal OES strike team composed of five Type 3 engines.

• Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) conducted 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. Additional hotel vouchers have been activated for Angelenos in need.

• Street Services crews are responding to impacts to roadways. LADOT will continue to respond to impacts.

• L.A. Sanitation crews continue to monitor the City's wastewater conveyance system to manage the additional incoming water flow.

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

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.

• 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.