The city of Los Angeles is fully prepared for the approaching Hurricane Hilary, with various city departments ready to respond to any potential crisis, according to officials.
Mayor Karen Bass stated during a news conference at City Hall on Friday that the city is well-equipped to handle natural disasters like wildfires and earthquakes. The city has already begun working round the clock to stay ahead of the storm and be prepared as soon as it hits the shores.
Hurricane Hilary, currently a Category 2 storm in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California, is expected to make landfall in Los Angeles early Sunday and continue through Monday. Although it is predicted to weaken to a tropical storm, heavy rain, strong winds, and a high risk of flooding are still expected.
Mayor Bass posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday that she was briefed by the National Weather Service about the storm. She urged Angelenos to take the storm seriously and stay safe and informed by following @NWSLosAngeles, @ReadyLA, and @NotifyLA for updates. She also mentioned that Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas will be available 24/7 to provide support if needed.
The State Operations Center at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has already been activated.
Mayor Bass announced that the city’s helpline, 311, will have extended operating hours to handle a high call volume. LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley will oversee the Emergency Operations Center, and the fire department is fully staffed to respond to potential rainfall. Different city departments are coordinating and collaborating to ensure that roads are operational before, during, and after the storm.
The California National Guard has strategically positioned resources throughout Southern California as part of the statewide effort to prepare for the storm.
The Department of Water and Power has fully staffed restoration crews ready to respond to power outages. Streets L.A., L.A. Sanitation, and the Department of Transportation are taking necessary steps to ensure operational roads. The city is also working with the Los Angeles Housing Services Authority to identify resources for the homeless population in case of an evacuation.
Animal shelters and specialized rescue teams are prepared for evacuations and emergencies. The central library will be providing rain ponchos and T-shirts to patrons. Mayor Bass emphasized the importance of Angelenos registering for Notify LA and following ReadyLA on social media for updates and resources.
Mayor Bass urged Angelenos to avoid the shoreline and beaches throughout the storm. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is flying helicopters over riverbed areas to warn unsheltered residents about potential dangers. Safety tips and resources for hurricanes can be found at noaa.gov/hurricane-prep, and in case of a life-threatening emergency, residents should call 911.
If there are impacts such as roadway flooding, blocked roads, or mudslides, residents can request service online or by calling 311. DWP customers can report power outages or water main breakages by calling 800-DIAL-DWP.
It was stated that Los Angeles’ resources are dispatched worldwide to respond to disasters, and the city will be prepared and coordinated with the city, county, state, and federal levels.
Carol Parks, general manager of the city’s Emergency Management Department, provided details about the approaching storm. She mentioned that winds ranging from 39 to 73 mph and isolated rain and thunderstorms are expected on Saturday afternoon. Winds will intensify on Sunday evening, and a flood watch will be in effect until 11 p.m. On Monday, the region is projected to receive 2 to 4 inches of rain, with higher amounts in the San Gabriel Mountains and foothills.
Possible major roadway flooding, elevated surf, and coastal flooding are concerns for the metro area. Free sandbags are available at neighborhood fire stations, and various officials reiterated the importance of staying informed, prepared, and adhering to evacuation orders.
Alfred Labrada, assistant chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, urged residents to stay home and avoid parks, which will be closed. Aram Benyamin, chief operating officer for DWP, advised patience during power outages and avoidance of fallen power lines. He assured that preparations have been made to prevent infrastructure impacts caused by water flow.
Finally, Mayor Bass announced the closure of all Los Angeles County parks, buildings, and facilities on Sunday and Monday, including picnic shelters, playgrounds, restrooms, and performance venues. Visitors are strongly encouraged to stay home.
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