LOS ANGELES (Feb. 3, 2025)—With two storms queued up to enter the LA County region this week, the County of Los Angeles is working with state and local partners to protect communities from debris and mudflows while preventing coastal and watershed pollution following the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires.
Flood control dams, river channels, and stormwater capture facilities are fully operational, and maintenance crews are prepared to mobilize 24/7 patrols in advance of the incoming storm.
The National Weather Service forecast for the first storm is light showers between 0.25 – 0.75 inches. The second system, expected to enter the region on Thursday, may bring small, isolated debris and mudflows to the Eaton, Palisades, Hurst, Kenneth, Sunset, Lidia, Bridge and Franklin burn areas. Residents are advised to check local weather reports as the storms enter the region.
LA County continues to work with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) to implement protective measures to protect homes, infrastructure and assess burn areas. At the request of the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Public Works is also conducting emergency repairs of timber and steel revetment structures designed to hold back sediment and debris while allowing storm flows to continue downstream. These mud and debris retention structures are located in canyons between natural watersheds and homes to protect downstream communities from mudflow and debris.
Residents should take the following steps to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their property from future storms:
- Visit READY.LACounty.gov for valuable storm tips, like free sandbag distribution locations, and to sign up for automatic emergency alerts. Residents can visit lacounty.pw/sandbags or call 1-800-675-HELP (4357) for sandbag distribution locations.
- Know your property’s risk factors. Clear drainage paths. Use sandbags to direct runoff and protect structures.
- Keep trash cans and vehicles off the street to allow stormwater to travel freely.
- Stay tuned to local weather reports and follow the instructions of law enforcement if told to evacuate.
- Motorists should avoid burn areas and mountain roads.
- Burn area residents should remain indoors, if possible, and avoid contact with polluted stormwater runoff.
- Call the LA County Public Works 24-hour Dispatch Center to report storm-related damage, traffic signal outages, flooding or other concerns at 1-800-675-HELP (4357).
For more information on emergency preparedness resources and tips, visit READY.LACounty.gov and follow @ReadyLACounty.