Latest Information and Safety Updates Amidst Tropical Storm Hilary's Path Through LA

Monday August, 21, 3 p.m. Update on Post-Tropical Storm Hilary 

The City of Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains activated at Level II with all City departments coordinating resources to support the safety of Angelenos and storm recovery. This morning Mayor Bass, County, and City leaders reiterated the importance of staying safe, staying home, and staying informed during the storm.  

Schools

• LAUSD schools will be open to in-person classes tomorrow, Tuesday, August 22.
• LAUSD operated 13 Grab and Go Meal Distribution Sites from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM. Families received 3 meals for each student. 
• LAUSD has provided activities for students on Schoology with instructional resources available at LAUSD.org. KLCS will provide educational programming.
• LAUSD Families and students may contact the Family Hotline at (213) 443-1300 from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM for assistance.

L.A. Metro

• Both bus and rail services continue. There may be occasional, minimal delays. There is no reported impact on Metro facilities or services from the earthquake.
• Some previously paused escalators are being returned to service.
• Metro Ambassadors and Metro homeless outreach teams continue to serve the system.
• Follow Metro on Twitter or check thesource.metro.net for additional service updates.

Infrastructure

• The City of Los Angeles is responding to reports of potholes, downed trees, and wires as well as other calls for service. Zero deaths have been reported in connection with the storm or earthquake thus far. At least 1089 tree-related issues have been reported with 179 cleared. There are 38 reports of mudflows have been reported with 15 locations cleared. 61 potholes have been reported with repairs complete at 7 locations. Please report any need for city service to 311.
• No significant earthquake-related damage has been reported in the City of Los Angeles.
• As of 1:00 PM, there were 10,462 LADWP customers experiencing power outages. Impacted customers can call 1-800-DIAL-DWP. The neighborhoods with the most impacted customers are Beverly Grove, Hyde Park, Harbor Gateway, and Brentwood. Roads
• The Sepulveda Basin in the San Fernando Valley has reopened to traffic.
• Traffic signal operations may be affected by power outages. Drivers should treat a non-functioning signal as a stop sign and heed traffic officer instructions if one is present.
• LAPD has reported no fatal or significant injuries from traffic collisions.
• Street sweeping enforcement will be relaxed through Monday and resume on Tuesday.

Monday August, 21, 9 a.m. Update on Post-Tropical Storm Hilary

We are now on the other side of Tropical Storm Hilary. First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt thanks to every Angeleno who heeded the warnings to stay inside, stay informed, and stay safe. 

Your safety and the well-being of our community are paramount. My team and I are diligently working with city leaders to assess the impact and determine our next steps. 

Here's some key information to know:

• Operational Status: We're currently at emergency level 2, prepared to tackle any flooding or associated incidents. Based on ongoing assessments, there's potential to de-escalate to level 3 by this afternoon.
• Helpline: Our 311 line received 500 storm-related calls. Please continue to utilize this resource for assistance.
• Assessments: All city departments are actively gauging the extent of storm damage, ensuring swift reparations and assistance.
• Educational Adjustments: LAUSD teachers are being asked to provide activities and resources on Schoology by 10:30 AM instructional resources are available at LAUSD.org, KLCS will provide educational programming.
• Community Support: To address food insecurity, LAUSD will operate 13 "grab and go" food distribution sites from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can check the LAUSD website for details.
• Academic Schedule: Tuesday will resume as a typical school day.
• Shelter Information: Eight emergency temporary shelters with nearly 400 units of shelter remain open for unhoused individuals across the City. For those on the Westside in need of shelter, the Stoner Recreation Center at 1835 Stoner Ave. is available.
• Metro: Running on its regular schedule 
• LA Recreation and Parks: All recreation and park facilities will reopen today at 12:00 pm or after they have been assessed and are cleared to reopen. pool facilities will reopen at 3:00 pm.
• LADWP Highlights:
•  
  • Power restoration efforts are underway, with 18,000 customers awaiting service.
  •  For updated information and to report an outage, customers can visit the LADWP's website or call 1-800-LADWP.

National Weather Service Insights:

• Current Status: Hilary no longer poses a threat as a tropical cyclone, but we still need to remain vigilant. 
• Safety Recommendations: It's crucial to avoid entering the water for a minimum of 72 hours post-storm.

Let's continue to exercise caution, especially around occasional wind gusts, and always prioritize safety.  

UPDATE:  Extreme Weather Impacts to the Los Angeles Region & Related Services

Below are updates to services and operations in the City of Los Angeles as of 9:00 PM PT on August 20, 2023.  

Schools: LAUSD teachers are being asked to provide activities and resources on Schoology by 10:30 AM instructional resources are available at LAUSD.org, KLCS will provide educational programming.

• LAUSD will open 12 Grab and Go Meal Distribution Sites from 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Families will receive 3 meals for each student. Click here to see the names of the sites.
• LAUSD Families and students may contact the Family Hotline at (213) 443-1300 from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM for assistance.
• Click here for real-time information on L.A. charter school closures. When in doubt, call your school to confirm hours of operation.

L.A. Metro

• Both bus and rail services continue. There are occasional, minimal delays. There is no reported impact to Metro facilities or services from the earthquake.
• Flood-prone facilities have been proactively addressed by cleaning drains, readying sandbags and stationing water pumps. Some escalators were preemptively paused to ensure safety and protect equipment.
• Metro Ambassadors have been deployed across the system to assist passengers during the storm. Metro Homeless Outreach teams continue to reach out to people experiencing homelessness sheltering on the system and connecting them with services.
• Follow Metro on Twitter or check thesource.metro.net for additional service updates.

Infrastructure: The City of Los Angeles is responding to reports of flooding, downed trees, and wires as well as other calls for service. Zero deaths have been reported in connection with the storm or earthquake thus far. At least 150 tree-related issues and 17 minor mudflows have been reported.9 have been cleared thus far.

• No significant earthquake-related damage has been reported in the City of Los Angeles.
• As of 9:00 PM, approximately 10,900 LADWP customers have experienced power outages. Impacted customers can call 1-800-DIAL-DWP. The  neighborhoods with the most impacted customers are Beverly Grove and Vermont Slauson. 

Roads: Road closures have been limited to the Sepulveda Basin in the San Fernando Valley and a section of Grande Vista between Washington and Emery southeast of Downtown L.A.

• 86 traffic collisions have been reported with no fatal or significant injuries.
• Street sweeping enforcement will be relaxed through Monday.

Emergency Operations: Eight emergency temporary shelters with nearly 400 units of shelter remain open for unhoused individuals across the City.

• The Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center remains activated at a Level II with all City departments coordinating resources in response to the storm.
• Recreation and Parks facilities will remain closed until noon tomorrow but Licensed child care will operate at normal times.

Continued Precautions for Angelenos
Significant rain and wind is expected to continue through the night and into Monday morning. Angelenos are encouraged to take the following actions to stay safe and informed:

Stay Safe

• Call 911 if there is a life-threatening emergency.
• Avoid any unnecessary travel.
• Have emergency supplies on hand.
• Report issues:
  • Report any downed power wires by calling 911. Never touch a downed wire!
  • Report storm impacts like roadway flooding, downed tree limbs, or mudslides through https://lacity.gov/myla311 by calling 311 or via the MyLA311 app.
  • Report power outages and water main breaks to Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers can call 1-800-DIAL-DWP. For power outages only, report online here.

Stay Informed

• Sign up for NotifyLA to receive texts and updates about the storm.
• Visit L.A.’s Emergency Management Department website.

Local emergencies are in effect to respond to storm impacts for the City of Los Angeles, County of Los Angeles and Southern California region.

UPDATE Sunday, Aug 20, 6:00 PM - Tropical Storm Hilary Update

Tropical Storm Hilary Update

• Weather Update: The National Weather Service forecasts that the Los Angeles area will experience the storm's peak until around 9 p.m. After that, intermittent showers are expected throughout the night leading into Monday.
• Current Status (as of 6 p.m.):
  • The Los Angeles Fire Department reports no significant injuries or damages.
  • The city has witnessed more than a dozen flood incidents.
  • Over 5,000 Department of Water and Power customers are without power, with Boyle Heights and Hollywood being severely affected.
  • Reports of fallen power lines and debris flows have been specifically noted in the Sherman Oaks area.
• Safety Advisory: Mayor Karen Bass emphasizes the importance of staying home for safety. She advises, "Unless instructed by emergency personnel, remain indoors."
• Public Announcements:
  • For those considering a beach visit, it's recommended to wait at least 72 hours due to safety hazards.
  • Both city and county parks in Los Angeles will stay closed until the end of Monday.
• Educational Institutions: LAUSD schools will not operate on Monday. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho stresses the need for this decision, highlighting the importance of inspecting facilities after the storm to ensure the safety of students and staff.
• Shelter Information:
  • On Sunday, three new emergency shelters were inaugurated. The city is providing transportation to these shelters to aid those in need.
  • Residents seeking shelter are permitted to bring along their pets and personal items.
  • For those on the Westside in need of shelter, the Stoner Recreation Center at 1835 Stoner Ave. is available.
  • For additional assistance or information, unhoused residents are encouraged to dial 211.
• Emergency Contact Information for Angelenos During the Storm:
• Life-Threatening Emergencies: Dial 9-1-1 immediately for any potential life-threatening storm-related situations.
• Other Storm Impacts: For non-life-threatening incidents like mudslides, street flooding, downed power lines, or fallen trees, please call 3-1-1.
• Note: To better serve the community during this event, 3-1-1 has extended its weekend hours. Stay safe and informed.
• Stay Updated:
• Angelenos should sign up for emergency notifications at NotifyLA.org or visit Emergency.LACity.gov/Updates for the latest information. 

Check here for storm resources and updates on LA City impacts, as events develop.

• National Weather Service Hurricane Safety
• Follow LA City Fire & Rescue Alerts
• More LAFD Storm Safety & Preparedness
• LA City Fire Offers Free Sandbags

UPDATE: 4:24 - LAUSD SCHOOL UPDATE 

Due to safety concerns, All LAUSD schools will be closed on Monday, August 21.

• This includes all athletic and extracurricular activities.
• All district facilities and operations will be suspended for the day.

Independent Charter Schools are likely to remain closed as well. Parents and guardians are urged to reach out directly to individual charter operators for definitive information.

Assignments will be accessible online.  Additionally, "grab and go" food distribution will be available at specific locations during Monday. Please stay tuned for details on the exact locations and times.

UPATE: 3:15 PM - The USGS preliminary report is a 5.1M earthquake at 2:41 PM PST centered in Ojai, California.

11:30 AM - After a briefing from Mayor Karen Bass and other key city officials, I want to share the City's comprehensive plans for the upcoming storm. The Emergency Operations Center is now on Level 2 Activation.

What you need to know:

Our Top Priorities:

1. Safety First: Protecting residents and their properties is our main focus.
2. Supporting City Workers: We're ensuring the safety of those serving our community.
3. Uninterrupted City Services: Active efforts are underway to provide consistent city services.

Stay Updated:

• Angelenos should sign up for emergency notifications at NotifyLA.org or visit Emergency.LACity.gov/Updates for the latest information. 
• Read more about preparedness measures the City has taken here. 

Need Help?

• Road Issues: Contact MyLA311 or dial 311 for flooding, blockages, or mudslides.
• Utilities: For power or water concerns, reach DWP at 1-800-DIAL-DWP or their online support.
• Emergencies: For emergencies, don't hesitate to call 911.

What We're Doing:

• Extended Hours: 311 services will be available for longer.
• Enhanced Operations: The Emergency Management Department is increasing its efforts.
• Shelters: LAHSA is providing homeless outreach and services throughout the storm. CD11 is providing emergency shelter at Stoner Park in West Los Angeles.
• Power Assurance: DWP is ready to handle outages across the city. 
• Travel Alert: Check flight status if flying via LAX.
• Animal Safety: Animal Services is prepared for rescues and evacuations.
• LAUSD Schools: Watch for an update about Monday school closures by LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.
• Parks and Facilities: LA City and County Parks have been temporarily closed.

Storm Forecast:

The storm might last until Monday afternoon, with potential thunderstorms through Tuesday. Please avoid beaches and shorelines during the storm. 

Remember: Stay safe, stay updated, and please avoid any unnecessary vehicle traffic during the storm!