The city of Los Angeles is fully prepared for the impending arrival of Hurricane Hilary, with officials stating that they have mobilized and are ready to respond to any potential crisis. Mayor Karen Bass, accompanied by several city department heads, made this announcement during a press conference at City Hall on Friday. Bass emphasized that the city is not waiting for the storm to hit, but rather they have already begun working around the clock to be ahead of the curve and ready as soon as the storm reaches the shores of Los Angeles.
Hurricane Hilary is currently intensifying to Category 4 status in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California. It is expected to impact the city as early as Saturday and continue through Monday, although it is projected to be downgraded to a tropical storm at that point, bringing heavy rain and wind.
Mayor Bass revealed that she received a call from Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, assuring her that he will be available 24/7 as the city weathers the storm. Additionally, the city has federal support readily available in case it is needed.
The state’s Emergency Management Department will activate its Emergency Operation Center to monitor and manage any incidents and impacts on the city. Furthermore, the city’s 311 hotline will expand its operating hours to accommodate a potential increase in call volume. LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley will oversee the Emergency Operations Center, ensuring that the fire department is fully staffed and prepared to respond to the storm. Teams from different departments across the city are also collaborating and coordinating efforts.
The Department of Water and Power has restoration crews fully staffed and ready to address any power outages that may occur. Streets L.A., L.A. Sanitation, and the Department of Transportation are taking necessary steps to ensure the operational functionality of roads throughout the duration of the storm.
The city is working alongside the Los Angeles Housing Services Authority to identify resources for individuals experiencing homelessness during the storm. Pre-identified recreation and parks facilities are available as potential evacuation sites and shelters if needed. Animal shelters and specialized rescue teams are also prepared to respond to any evacuation or rescue incidents that may arise. The central library will be offering rain ponchos and T-shirts to its patrons.
Mayor Bass urged Angelenos to make preparations for the storm as well. She advised residents to register for Notify LA to receive local alerts regarding the storm. Furthermore, she encouraged residents to follow ReadyLA on social media for updates on the storm and general resources to stay informed. Bass also stressed the importance of staying away from the shoreline and beaches throughout the duration of the storm.
For information on hurricane safety tips and resources, residents can visit noaa.gov/hurricane-prep. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, Angelenos should call 911. For non-emergency situations such as roadway flooding, blocked roads due to fallen tree limbs, or mudslides, residents can request assistance online or by calling 311. DWP customers experiencing power outages or water main breakages can reach the department at 800-DIAL-DWP (342-5397).
Mayor Bass also highlighted the city’s coordinated response to disasters. She emphasized that resources are always dispatched worldwide to address such situations, and the city will be prepared and in coordination with the city, county, state, and federal levels as they move forward.
Carol Parks, general manager of the city’s Emergency Management Department, provided specific details about the storm’s expected impact. According to Parks, the tropical storm will bring winds ranging from 39 to 73 mph, with the possibility of isolated rain and thunderstorms starting on Saturday afternoon. Winds will increase on Sunday evening, and a flood watch will remain in effect until 11 p.m. On Monday, the region is anticipated to receive two to four inches of rain, with the potential for up to seven inches in the San Gabriel Mountains and foothills. Parks cautioned that major roadway flooding could be a concern for the metro area, along with elevated surf and coastal flooding.
Fire Chief Crowley informed Angelenos that they can acquire free ready-to-fill sandbags from neighborhood fire stations. Assistant Chief Alfred Labrada of the Los Angeles Police Department urged residents to stay informed, make necessary preparations, and comply with any evacuation orders. Aram Benyamin, Chief Operating Officer for DWP, reminded everyone to exercise patience as crews address power outages and to stay away from any fallen power lines. Benyamin assured that they have conducted inspections of the city’s infrastructure in anticipation of high water flow and have made arrangements to protect the infrastructure. They have resources on the ground to facilitate restoration and ensure the city’s system can withstand the demands of the storm.
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