The city of Los Angeles is fully prepared for the arrival of Hurricane Hilary, with city departments mobilized and ready to respond to any potential crisis, according to officials.
“Whether it’s wildfires or earthquakes, we have taken the necessary steps to be prepared,” stated Mayor Karen Bass during a news conference at City Hall on Friday. “We are not waiting for the storm to hit. We have already begun working around the clock to stay ahead of the curve and be ready as soon as the storm reaches our shores.”
Hurricane Hilary, currently strengthening to Category 4 status in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California, is expected to make landfall early Sunday and continue through Monday. While it is projected to be downgraded to a tropical storm, heavy rain and wind are still anticipated.
Mayor Bass also received a call from Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, who assured her of his 24/7 availability as the city weathers the storm. The city has federal support ready if required.
The state’s Emergency Management Department will activate its Emergency Operation Center to monitor and manage any incidents and impacts on the city.
“If call volume becomes high, 311 will extend its operating hours. LAFD Fire Chief (Kristin) Crowley is overseeing the Emergency Operations Center. The fire department is fully staffed to respond to the potential rainfall and teams are coordinating and collaborating across the city,” explained Mayor Bass.
California’s National Guard has strategically positioned resources throughout Southern California as part of the statewide effort to prepare for the storm, officials announced on Saturday.
The Department of Water and Power has restoration crews fully staffed and prepared to handle any power outages. Other city departments, including Streets L.A., L.A. Sanitation, and the Department of Transportation, are taking measures to ensure operational roads before, during, and after the storm, under the guidance of Mayor Bass.
“The city of Los Angeles is working with the Los Angeles Housing Services Authority to identify citywide resources for those experiencing homelessness during the storm,” Mayor Bass added. “Recreation and parks facilities have been pre-identified as potential evacuation centers and shelters if needed.”
Animal shelters and specialized rescue teams are on standby for evacuations or rescues within the city. The central library will provide rain ponchos and T-shirts to its patrons while supplies last.
“As the city prepares, we need Angelenos to prepare as well. Residents should register for Notify LA to receive local alerts about the storm. They can also follow ReadyLA on social media for updates and resources to stay informed,” urged Mayor Bass.
Furthermore, Mayor Bass advised Angelenos to stay away from coastlines and beaches for the duration of the storm.
A thorough list of hurricane safety tips and resources can be found at noaa.gov/hurricane-prep. In case of a life-threatening emergency, Angelenos should immediately call 911.
For issues like roadway flooding, blocked roads due to fallen tree limbs, or mudslides, residents can request assistance online or by calling 311.
For power outages or water main breakages, DWP customers can call 800-DIAL-DWP (342-5397).
“There is a reason why our resources are dispatched worldwide to respond to disasters,” Mayor Bass emphasized. “We will be prepared, and as always, we will coordinate with the city, county, state, and federal levels moving forward.”
Carol Parks, the general manager of the city’s Emergency Management Department, warned that the tropical storm will bring winds ranging from 39 to 73 mph. Isolated rain and thunderstorms could occur as early as Saturday afternoon.
Winds will intensify on Sunday evening, with a flood watch in effect until 11 p.m. On Monday, the region is expected to receive two to four inches of rain across L.A. County, with up to seven inches possible in the San Gabriel Mountains and foothills.
Roadway flooding is a major concern, along with the potential for elevated surf and coastal flooding, said Parks.
Fire stations in neighborhoods are providing free ready-to-fill sandbags for Angelenos to pick up.
Assistant Chief Alfred Labrada of the Los Angeles Police Department urged residents to stay informed, prepare in advance, and heed evacuation advisories.
Regarding power outages, Aram Benyamin, the Chief Operating Officer for DWP, asked for patience as crews work on restoring power, reminding everyone to stay away from fallen power lines.
“We have inspected our infrastructure in anticipation of high water flow. We have made arrangements for the water flow from our northern aqueduct and reservoirs within the city. We are ready to ensure that the flows do not impact our infrastructure,” said Benyamin. “We have resources on the ground to facilitate infrastructure restoration and ensure that the city’s needs are met.”
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