Mayor Bass Directs Citywide Preparedness Measures Ahead of Potentially Historic El Niño for Southern California

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LOS ANGELES - Mayor Karen Bass was today joined by Dr. Ariel Cohen, Chief Meteorologist for the National Weather Service Office in Los Angeles/Oxnard, and leaders from multiple City departments to outline proactive action the City is taking to strengthen infrastructure, protect hillsides, burn scars, and high-risk areas, prepare emergency response teams and equipment, and ensure personnel are ready to respond to keep Angelenos safe ahead of a potentially historic El Niño for Southern California. The press conference was held at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's (LADWP) new Department Emergency Operations Center.

"While we don't know how much wet weather Los Angeles will get this winter, we know what heavy rain and strong winds can do here: streets can flood quickly, trees and power lines can come down, and in the Palisades and other recent burn areas, dangerous mud and debris flows could impact homes. That's why we are taking action now to keep Angelenos safe," said Mayor Bass. "At my direction, City crews have been clearing more than 31,000 catch basins and drainage systems, inspecting and reinforcing vulnerable hillsides and burn areas, prepositioning emergency equipment, coordinating tree work near power lines, delivering sand to fire stations, and ensuring Angelenos have the information they need to stay safe. Los Angeles will be ready."

"At this time, we are unable to predict with certainty if destructive weather will occur. However, we're recognizing the risk and we're encouraging responsible preparedness for the possibilities," said Dr. Ariel Cohen, Chief Meteorologist at the National Weather Service Office in Los Angeles/Oxnard."Preparation involves much more than reacting to a disaster. Weather preparedness should be a habit, just like putting on a seatbelt."

"As the largest municipal water and power utility in the nation, LADWP is central to the city's emergency response. Reliable water and power are critical services for all homes and businesses, but also the backbone of every department and every agency," said David W. Hanson, Interim General Manager, LADWP. "Our readiness directly shapes the city's ability to safeguard lives, keep essential services running, and recover quickly. Your LADWP is ready for El Niño, and we have strengthened our systems, our teams, and our infrastructure to further protect the communities we serve."

The City will continue coordinating with County and State partners and the National Weather Service to monitor conditions and plan for potential impacts.

TAKING ACTION TO PROTECT L.A. NEIGHBORHOODS

• Clearing Debris: City crews have cleared more than 31,000 catch basins and drainage sites and 50 debris basins, including in the Pacific Palisades, to maximize drainage and reduce flooding risks.

• Reinforcing Hillsides: City teams are assessing hillsides, burn areas, and other high-risk locations for potential flooding, mudslides, and debris flows. The City is reinforcing erosion controls, including more than 13,000 feet of K-rail and sandbags, and preparing additional protective measures at 25 locations across the city.

• Monitoring High-Risk Construction Sites: City teams are monitoring nearly 250 high-risk grading and construction sites, prioritizing the Palisades burn scar and other vulnerable hillside areas, where heavy rain could create additional hazards.

• Preparing Emergency Equipment: The City is preparing generators, pumps, pumper trucks, sandbags, and other emergency resources for rapid deployment. The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) is preparing personnel and equipment for storm-related emergencies, including flooding and swift-water rescues.

• Preparing for Power Outages: LADWP is preparing crews and resources to respond to potential power outages and protect essential water and power infrastructure. Emergency responses will be centralized at LADWP's new Department Emergency Operations Center (DEOC).

• Outreach to Unhoused Angelenos: The City will coordinate outreach, housing, and potential evacuation efforts for people experiencing homelessness in flood-prone areas.

WHAT ANGELENOS NEED TO KNOW

Residents should take steps now to protect themselves, their families, and their property in the event of severe weather.

Before the Storm

• Sign up for emergency alerts through NotifyLA.

• Make an emergency plan with your family and prepare essential supplies, including medications, flashlights, important documents, and pet supplies. Learn more at ready.lacity.gov.

• Check whether your home is in a flood zone. The Los Angeles County Flood Zone Determination website allows you to see FEMA flood zones in relation to your home, and whether your property is within an LA County Capital Flood floodplain. Flood insurance coverage typically takes 30 days to take effect, so residents who need coverage should take action now.

• Pick up free sand and sand bags at Fire stations across the city if you live in a burn scar or an area prone to flooding.

• Clean gutters and yard drains, secure outdoor furniture, and charge mobile devices.

During Severe Weather

• Follow official instructions, including evacuation or shelter-in-place orders, especially if you live near recent burn areas.

• Avoid driving on the roads if you can and never drive or walk through a flooded street.

• Stay away from downed power lines and assume all downed lines are live. Report power outages to LADWP at 1-800-342-5397.

After the Storm

• Report flooding, mudslides, fallen trees, potholes, and clogged storm drains by calling 3-1-1 or by downloading the MyLA311 app. For sewer and storm drain concerns, contact LA Sanitation at 1-800-773-2489.

• Check hillsides and walls for visible cracks or movement. Photograph property damage for insurance purposes and consult the appropriate City department before beginning repairs.

Important Resources

• Life-threatening Emergencies: Call 9-1-1.

• City of L.A. Emergency Alerts: Sign up at NotifyLA.org

• City Services and Non-emergency Reports: Call 3-1-1 or use the MyLA311 app.

• Power Outages:Call LADWP at 1-800-342-5397 or visit LADWP's outage map

• Pet and Large Animal Assistance: Contact LA Animal Services at 1-888-452-7381 or visit here.

CURRENT EXTREME HEAT WARNING

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Los Angeles through Thursday, October 8. Mayor Bass encourages Angelenos to stay hydrated, look out for neighbors and pets, and take advantage of hundreds of free City facilities if you need relief from the heat, including rec centers and local library branches. For locations and hours of operation, visit laparks.org/reccenter and lapl.org/branches or call 3-1-1. Additionally, the City has opened dedicated cooling centers that are operating under extended hours citywide. Click here for more information from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on protecting yourself and others from heat-related illness.