Officials say LA is ready for rain, emphasize storm's unpredictable nature
Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jaime Moore, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell and other city officials gathered for a press conference on Friday about how the city is preparing for incoming storms.
Dr. Ariel Cohen, the meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service Los Angeles - Oxnard, joined them at the event to provide an update about what Angelenos should expect.
Cohen went into detail about the potential for significant flooding and debris flows across the Los Angeles region, emphasizing, "The cost of being underprepared is often far greater than the cost of being overprepared."
He said the main impacts will be felt in the next 24 to 36 hours, though due to the nature of the weather system, there are still uncertainties regarding what areas will see the most rain.
The heaviest rain will arrive overnight and stick around through Saturday afternoon. A Flood Watch is in effect for all of L.A. County through 10 p.m. Saturday.
Cohen said the heavy rain will be off and on throughout the overnight hours. He emphasized that the rain could be extremely heavy in some areas.
"While significant flooding is expected to hold off until late tonight through Saturday, we still could see some minor flooding in low-lying locations, especially along freeways, minor rock slides or mudslides through the canyons, and minor debris flows on the burn scars, including but not limited to the Palisades and Franklin burn scars," Cohen said.
After early Saturday afternoon, the weather system will begin to shift north. Cohen said the sun may even come back out in L.A. late Saturday afternoon.
Still, the energy from that sunshine could allow for additional showers later into the evening. A few light showers are also possible late Saturday night, with additional, weaker storms in the forecast for the next several days.
Cohen emphasized that while some Angelenos may feel no impacts at all, some areas could be hit hard.
"Many Angelenos may not personally experience any damaging floods, landslides or debris flows; however, the character of this weather system is such that many localized spots will have the potential to experience dangerous, life-threatening floods, landslides and debris flows. The nature of this system is such that we can't be certain of exactly when and where the impacts will strike until right before they occur at the earliest," Cohen said.
He also added that there is a risk for a small, brief and weak tornado to occur.
Bass reminded drivers to slow down and take caution when driving in the rain.
"Slow down if you're driving and plan ahead for the potential for longer travel times. Please, if you don't have to leave your home, please don't," Bass said. "The city is prepared and we are ready."
The mayor added that the crews are on standby to respond to impacts to roadways, including things like downed trees and power lines.
Many burn scar areas are under Evacuation Warnings, and an Evacuation Order is in effect from 8 p.m. Friday through 8 a.m. Sunday for 126 specific residences -- mainly near the Palisades Fire burn scar.
McDonnell said police officers have already gone door-to-door to make contact with those impacted by the Evacuation Order.
An evacuation center has been established at Stoner Recreation Center, located at 1835 Stoner Ave.
Residents can pick up sandbags at all neighborhood LAFD fire stations around the city. To see a list of fire stations that have sand available, visit lafd.org/news.
Moore added that there is increased firefighter staffing and strategically staged resources around the city, especially in the burn scar areas.
Residents are urged to call 911 for any life-threatening emergencies, and call 311 for issues like downed power lines and downed trees.
