LADWP Crews Are Prepared and Ready as Forecasted Rainstorm Approaches the Southland

LOS ANGELES, CA (November 13, 2025) - Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) crews are prepared to respond to any potential power outages that may occur due to potential strong winds and rainstorm forecasted to hit Los Angeles from Thursday through the following week. The Department will continue to monitor the forecast closely and have additional crews available for storm response efforts, if needed.

During severe rainstorms, flooding and water intrusion into underground electrical vaults may also occur and can result in power outages. When the affected equipment is underground, crews must go from vault to vault to locate the source of the damage before repairs can take place, which can take additional time.

Rainstorms can also oversaturate the soil, loosen tree roots, and cause trees to collapse, especially after a long period without rain. If trees fall onto power lines and power poles, power outages can also occur. When such incidents occur, LADWP crews will first secure the area to protect the public from safety hazards then remove any trees on the public right-of-way entangling LADWP power poles and wires. Once the area is deemed safe, crews can begin conducting repair work to restore power.

Another common cause of power outages during severe weather results from strong winds that can knock debris onto power lines and power poles. In instances where downed or dangling wires and power poles are present, LADWP urges members of the public to take extreme cautious to avoid the area.If you see a downed wire, always assume it is live and immediately report it by calling 9-1-1. Also stay away from puddles in areas where you see downed wires. Coming in contact with electrified equipment can cause potentially life-threatening injuries.

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As it does when severe weather is forecasted, LADWP implements preventative measures around its water and power infrastructure. They may include, but are not limited to:

• Preparing to implement 24/7 response and restoration operations;

• Cleaning and clearing any ditches and drains that may receive runoff water by removing vegetation and other obstructions;

• Pre-deploying equipment to crucial areas to be ready to respond to emergency situations;

• Staging all necessary equipment and supplies to support potential mudslide response in the region;

• Requesting tree crews to report as needed;

• Preparing to initiate the make -safe policy for extensive wires down or broken poles;

• Installing temporary safety roadside barriers to divert water flow and help prevent erosion due to rainfall;

• Implementing erosion control measures at LADWP's water infrastructure to help stabilize the ground;

• Placing sandbags in potential fire-affected areas and other key locations;

• Augmenting water operation crews for enhanced emergency preparedness;

As Angelenos brace themselves for the upcoming rainstorm, LADWP highly recommends customers take the following steps:

• Use flashlights and have extra batteries nearby in case of a power outage. Never use candles as a light source during a power outage.

• Keep a fully charged cell phone or cell-phone battery pack on-hand so you have a backup power source and access to online information.

If power does go out:

• Report outages online and track crew status at LADWP.com/Outages or by calling 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397).

• Switch off all lights except one so you know when power is restored.

• Stay calm and assess your surroundings.

• Turn off and unplug electrical equipment, appliances, and heat-producing items to prevent circuit overloading and service restoration delays.

• Close refrigerator and freezer doors to protect their contents.

• Check on vulnerable friends and neighbors to make sure they are safe.

Follow LADWP via X (@ladwp) and NextDoor, as well as visit LADWP's newsroom for potential outage information and updates.

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