As Los Angeles County braces for an approaching storm with the potential for mudslides and flooding, particularly in areas recently ravaged by wildfires, authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and prepared. According to a press release, a Flood Watch will be active from tomorrow afternoon through Wednesday evening. These precarious conditions are a direct result of January’s wildfires, which have left the land vulnerable to debris flows.
Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Hilda L. Solis, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “As this storm approaches, Los Angeles County is taking decisive action to protect our communities.” With the Winter Shelter Program now active, residents without housing can find refuge in augmented winter shelters, the locations of which are listed at lahsa.org/winter-shelter. In advance of the storm, official alerts and weather updates are suggested to be monitored by residents, and awareness is heightened for those in neighborhoods alerted to potential mudflow risks.
Efforts to enhance safety include targeted outreach by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies, who are performing door knocks to warn identified vulnerable residences of evacuation. Underscoring their proactive measures, the Sheriff’s Homeless Outreach Services Team is also working to engage and assist unhoused individuals in local waterways, prepare for the storm. Key emergency services such as Search and Rescue Teams and swiftwater rescue swimmers are on alert with strategically pre-positioned resources…