Updated Forecasts Warn of Widespread Downpours, Debris-Flow Risks in Burn-Scar Zones, and Possible Power Outages Across the City
Forecasters are warning Los Angeles residents to brace for the strongest phase of the current storm system, with a Flood Watch expected to take effect early Saturday. The National Weather Service says moderate to heavy rainfall is likely across the city from 1:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., raising the risk of flooded roads, power outages, and dangerous debris flows in areas scarred by recent fires, including the Palisades, Hurst, and Sunset burn zones.
Evacuation warnings remain active for neighborhoods near the burn scars. Los Angeles police officers have conducted door-to-door notifications and distributed evacuation flyers to properties considered most vulnerable. Residents can check their zone status at protect.genasys.com.
Forecast updates from the National Weather Service are available at weather.gov/lox.
City officials say now is the time to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions. Residents are urged to secure outdoor items, gather emergency supplies, and fully charge phones and medical devices in case of power failures. Emergency alerts can be activated at NotifyLA.org.
Free sandbags are available at local Los Angeles Fire Department stations. Locations and details can be found at lafd.org/news/lafd-provides-sandbags-homeowners-1.
Other recommended precautions include clearing drains and gutters, monitoring weather forecasts, and checking on neighbors who may need assistance.
Dangerous travel conditions are expected, and officials are urging residents to stay off the roads whenever possible. Motorists should avoid driving through flooded streets and be prepared for fallen trees, debris, and reduced visibility. Pets should be brought indoors.
Life-threatening emergencies should be reported to 911. Non-immediate hazards, such as minor flooding or fallen branches, should be directed to 311, which will operate with extended hours during the storm. Reports can also be filed at lacity.gov/myla311.
Downed power lines should always be treated as energized. Outages can be reported to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power at 1-800-342-5397. Residents using generators are urged to review FEMA safety guidance and never operate units indoors.
Storm updates and city response information are posted at Emergency.LACity.gov/Rain.
Mitigation measures installed after January’s wildfires—such as debris barriers, hillside reinforcements, and more than 13,000 feet of K-rail—remain in place across the Palisades. Additional staffing and equipment have been pre-deployed across multiple agencies:
- Los Angeles Fire Department: A 22-member strike team with five Type 3 engines, six brush patrol units, a 27-member hand crew, a dozer and loader, a helicopter team, three swift-water rescue teams, and a six-member urban search-and-rescue unit. Two extra dispatchers have been added at Metro Fire Communications.
- LADWP: Crews are on standby around the clock to address power interruptions.
- LAHSA: Outreach teams are alerting unsheltered residents near flood-prone areas and distributing supplies; hotel vouchers are being made available.
- Street Services, LADOT, and Bureau of Engineering: Monitoring landslide-risk zones and preparing to respond to impacts on major roadways.
- L.A. Sanitation: Additional staff are tracking wastewater and clearing debris basins in the Palisades to keep storm drains functioning.
- Los Angeles World Airports: Staff are prepared for operational disruptions, and travelers are urged to check flight status before heading to LAX.
Officials say they will continue to issue updates as conditions evolve throughout the weekend.
