Mayor Bass Announces City Preparedness Measures Ahead of Forecasted Wet Weather Through New Year’s Day

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Evacuation Warning Issued for Recent Burn Scar Areas; 13,000 Feet of K-Rail Remain in Place in Pacific Palisades to Protect Against Potential Debris Flows

LOS ANGELES - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flood Watch for the L.A. region until tomorrow evening, New Year's Day, with moderate rain, possible thunderstorms, and wind gusts forecasted to begin today, Wednesday, December 31.

An Evacuation Warning has been issued for the Palisades, Hurst, and Sunset burn scar areas that will go into effect at 11:00 AM today, Wednesday, December 31. LAPD is contacting residents at especially vulnerable properties. While Evacuation Orders have not been issued at this time, Angelenos are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyLA.orgto ensure they receive further updates.

"After a significant storm over the Christmas holiday, City crews are preparing to respond to any potential impacts from more wet weather forecasted through New Year's Day, especially in recent burn scar areas," said Mayor Bass. "I urge all Angelenos to stay vigilant, use caution on the roads - especially if traveling for the New Year's holiday - and sign up for emergency alerts at NotifyLA.org."

The City's Emergency Operations Center will activate today to coordinate preparedness measures, and the Mayor's Office will continue engagement 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.

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:

• The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is augmenting 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.

• 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.

• L.A. Sanitation is on standby to assist with any flooding calls and monitoring the City's wastewater conveyance system to manage the additional 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.

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. Hours of operation for 311 are below:

  • Wednesday, December 31: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  • Thursday, January 1: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• 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.