The city of Los Angeles is fully prepared and mobilized for the impending arrival of Hurricane Hilary, with all city departments ready to respond to any potential crisis, according to officials.
At a news conference held at City Hall on Friday, surrounded by the general managers of various city departments, Mayor Karen Bass stated, “No matter if it’s wildfires or earthquakes, our city is prepared. We are not waiting for the storm to hit—we have already started working around the clock to stay ahead of the curve and be prepared as soon as the storm reaches our shores.”
As of Saturday afternoon, Hilary was a Category 2 hurricane in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California. It is expected to make landfall early Sunday morning and continue through Monday. Although it is anticipated to weaken into a tropical storm by the time it reaches the Southland, forecasters are still cautioning about heavy rain, strong winds, and a high risk of flooding.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Bass wrote, “This morning, I was briefed by the National Weather Service about the approaching storm. Angelenos should take this storm seriously—stay SAFE and stay INFORMED. Follow @NWSLosAngeles, @ReadyLA, and @NotifyLA for updates as we continue to prepare for #HurricaneHilary.”
Bass also revealed that she had received a call from Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, assuring her of his availability 24/7 as the city faces the storm. She added that the city has federal support on standby if needed.
Furthermore, the state’s Emergency Management Department will activate its Emergency Operations Center to monitor and handle any incidents and impacts within the city.
Bass stated, “If there is a high volume of calls, 311 will extend its operating hours. LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley will oversee the Emergency Operations Center. The fire department is fully staffed to handle the potential rainfall and coordinating efforts across the city.”
In preparation for the storm, California’s National Guard has strategically positioned resources throughout Southern California, as part of a statewide effort.
Additional city departments have taken measures to ensure readiness. The Department of Water and Power has fully staffed restoration crews to address any power outages. Streets L.A., L.A. Sanitation, and the Department of Transportation are working to ensure the operationality of roads before, during, and after the storm.
Bass announced that the city is collaborating with the Los Angeles Housing Services Authority to identify resources that can be used for its homeless population during the storm. Recreational and park facilities have been identified as potential evacuation centers and shelters if needed.
Specialized rescue teams and animal shelters are prepared to respond to evacuations and rescue operations. The central library will be providing rain ponchos and T-shirts to patrons while supplies last.
In light of the city’s preparedness, Bass urged the residents of Los Angeles to make their own preparations. She advised registering for Notify LA to receive local alerts regarding the storm and following ReadyLA on social media for event developments and general resources to stay informed.
The mayor also emphasized the importance of staying away from the shoreline and beaches throughout the duration of the storm.
For hurricane safety tips and resources, residents can visit noaa.gov/hurricane-prep. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, Angelenos should call 911. To report impacts such as roadway flooding, tree blockages, or mudslides, individuals should request service online or by calling 311.
DWP customers experiencing power outages or water main breakages can call 800-DIAL-DWP (342-5397).
Bass stated, “There is a reason why our resources are dispatched worldwide to respond to disasters. We will be prepared and, as always, we will coordinate with the city, county, state, and federal levels as we move forward.”
Carol Parks, general manager of the city’s Emergency Management Department, informed the public that the tropical storm will bring winds ranging from 39 to 73 mph, with the possibility of isolated rain and thunderstorms starting as early as Saturday afternoon.
By Sunday evening, the winds will intensify, and a flood watch will be in effect until 11 p.m. On Monday, the region is expected to receive two to four inches of rain throughout L.A. County, with up to seven inches possible in the San Gabriel Mountains and foothills.
Major roadway flooding is a concern for the metro area, along with elevated surf and coastal flooding. Free ready-to-fill sandbags can be picked up at neighborhood fire stations, according to Crowley.
Assistant Chief Alfred Labrada of the Los Angeles Police Department urged residents to stay informed, prepare, and heed evacuation orders. Aram Benyamin, the chief operating officer for DWP, reminded everyone to remain patient as crews work to address power outages and to stay away from fallen power lines.
Benyamin added, “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, and we are prepared to ensure that the flow does not impact our infrastructure. We have resources on the ground to facilitate infrastructure restoration and ensure that the system can withstand the city’s needs.”
Additionally, Los Angeles County officials announced the closure of all county parks, buildings, and facilities on Sunday and Monday. This includes picnic shelters, playgrounds, multi-use trails, restrooms, botanical gardens, lakes and swim beaches, pools and aquatic centers, natural areas, nature centers, and performance venues. Visitors are strongly encouraged to stay home.
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