Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, along with other officials, will provide an update on the city’s preparedness for the impending landfall of Tropical Storm Hilary. They are urging “Angelenos to prioritize their safety and stay informed about the extreme weather.”
Mayor Karen Bass stated during a previous news conference at City Hall on Friday, “Whether it’s wildfires or earthquakes, the city is fully prepared. We aren’t waiting for the storm to hit; we have already begun working 24/7 to stay ahead of the curve and be ready as soon as the storm reaches our shores.”
As of Sunday morning, Hilary was at Category 1 status in the Pacific Ocean, just off the coast of Baja California. It is expected to reach the city later in the day and persist through Monday. Although it is predicted to weaken to a tropical storm before reaching the Southland, forecasters are still warning of heavy rain, strong winds, and a high risk of flooding.
Bass expressed her concern about the storm in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday, stated, “This morning, I was briefed by the National Weather Service about the approaching storm. Angelenos should take this storm seriously by staying SAFE and INFORMED. Follow @NWSLosAngeles, @ReadyLA, and @NotifyLA for updates as we continue to prepare for #HurricaneHilary.”
City officials have been warning people experiencing homelessness about the potential hazards of the extreme weather since Friday. Clara Karger, Bass’ press secretary, said, “Outreach began on Friday to communicate flood warnings, the need to evacuate the city’s waterways, and the expected dangerous weather conditions over the weekend. Outreach resumed on Saturday morning, urging people to enter nearby temporary emergency shelters if they live in high-risk areas.”
“The Mayor’s Office worked with LAHSA (The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority) and City Departments to open temporary emergency shelters located near high-risk areas, which opened this afternoon, and the City will offer transportation to shelters as part of outreach efforts. Additional shelters will open on Sunday,” Karger added.
Bass also mentioned that “recreation and parks facilities have been pre-identified, in case evacuations and shelters are necessary.”
As of Saturday, the following shelters were already open:
– North Hollywood Recreation Center, 11430 Chandler Blvd.
– Lake View Terrace Recreation Center, 11075 Foothill Blvd.
– Lanark Park, 21816 Lanark St.
– Glassell Recreation Center, 3650 Verdugo Road.
– Yosemite Recreation Center, 1840 Yosemite D.
– South LA Activity Center, 7020 S Figueroa St.
Storm provisions, including tarps and emergency blankets, are being provided for people who cannot move. Bass mentioned that Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas has assured her of his availability 24/7 to provide support as the city weathers the storm. The city has federal support ready “if needed,” she added.
The State Operations Center at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has been activated.
“If there is a high call volume, 311 will be extending its operating hours. LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley will oversee the Emergency Operations Center. The fire department has sufficient staff to respond to the potential rainfall and is coordinating and collaborating across the city,” Bass said.
As part of the statewide effort to prepare for the storm, California’s National Guard has strategically positioned resources throughout Southern California, according to officials on Saturday.
The Department of Water and Power has fully staffed restoration crews ready to respond to any power outages. Streets L.A., L.A. Sanitation, and the Department of Transportation are taking steps to ensure the operability of roads before, during, and after the storm, stated Bass.
Animal shelters and specialized rescue teams are prepared to respond to evacuations or incidents requiring rescue within the city. The central library is providing rain ponchos and T-shirts to patrons while supplies last.
“As the city prepares, we need Angelenos to prepare as well. Angelenos should register for Notify LA to receive local alerts about the storm. Angelenos can also follow ReadyLA on social media for event updates and general resources to stay informed,” Bass emphasized.
The mayor urged Angelenos to stay away from the shoreline and beaches throughout the duration of the storm. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department helicopters have been flying over riverbed areas to warn unsheltered residents about the potential dangers of the storm.
Hurricane safety tips and resources can be viewed at noaa.gov/hurricane-prep. In case of a life-threatening emergency, Angelenos should call 911.
For issues like roadway flooding, blocked roads due to tree limbs, or mudslides, Angelenos should request assistance online or by calling 311.
In case of 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,” Bass assured. “We will be prepared and, as always, we will coordinate with the city, county, state, and federal levels as we move forward.”
Carol Parks, the general manager of the city’s Emergency Management Department, stated that the tropical storm will bring winds ranging from 39 to 73 mph. Possible isolated rain and thunderstorms could start 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 between two to four inches of rain throughout L.A. County, with the San Gabriel Mountains and foothills potentially experiencing up to seven inches.
Major roadway flooding is possible and could pose a risk for the metro area, along with elevated surf and some coastal flooding, Parks warned.
Crowley mentioned that Angelenos can obtain free ready-to-fill sandbags from neighborhood fire stations.
Assistant Police Chief Alfred Benyamin urged Angelenos to stay informed, prepare, and diligently follow evacuation orders.
DWP’s Chief Operating Officer, Aram Benyamin, reminded everyone to be patient as crews work on power outages and 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 in the city, ensuring that our infrastructure isn’t affected by the flow. We have resources on the ground to restore the infrastructure and ensure that the system can meet the needs of the city,” Benyamin explained.
Furthermore, Los Angeles County officials announced the closure of all county parks, buildings, and facilities on Sunday and Monday, including picnic shelters, playgrounds, trails, restrooms, botanical gardens, swim beaches, pools, natural areas, and performance venues. Visitors are encouraged to stay home.
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