National Weather Service forecasts up to 4 inches of rain in LA, higher totals in mountains.
Heavy rain and potential thunderstorms are expected to impact Los Angeles beginning Monday, Feb. 16, and continuing through at least Friday, Feb. 20, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters said the most intense period of the storm is anticipated on Monday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. The region could receive between 2 and 4 inches of rain, with totals ranging from 4 to 8 inches in mountain and foothill communities. Areas affected by recent wildfires face an elevated risk of debris flows, and evacuation warnings remain in place near burn scars.
The City of Los Angeles has issued an Evacuation Warning for possible debris flows, in effect from 9 p.m. Sunday, February 15, through 9 a.m. Tuesday, February 17. Prepare for possible evacuations in the following zones: Palisades Fire burn scar zones LFD-1081, 1083, 1085, 1087, 1089, 1091, 1092, 1093, 1095, 1096, 1097, and 0891; Hurst Fire burn scar zone LFD-0001-B; Sunset Fire burn scar zone LFD-0835.
Monitor the Los Angeles County Public Works Mud and Debris Flow Forecast, especially if you live in or near a recent burn area. SR 27, Topanga Canyon Boulevard from PCH to Grand View Drive , will close at 10 p.m. on Sunday night and will not reopen until weather conditions permit it.
City officials cautioned that the storm could bring flooding on roads and freeways, rapidly rising water levels in streams and rivers, fallen trees, and power outages. Residents are urged to monitor updated forecasts from the National Weather Service at weather.gov/lox.
Officials are advising residents to take steps now to prepare. Travel plans should be adjusted to avoid driving during peak rainfall if possible. Property owners are encouraged to secure outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and other loose items to prevent wind damage.
Households should assemble emergency supplies, including food, water, flashlights, batteries, radios, medications, and pet necessities, in case sheltering in place becomes necessary. Those who rely on medical devices are advised to fully charge the equipment and prepare backup power options.
Sandbags are available at local fire stations for residents seeking additional flood protection, with sand available for free at limited locations. Officials also recommend enrolling in NotifyLA to receive emergency alerts by text, email, or phone.
During the storm, residents are urged to avoid driving unless necessary and to never attempt to cross flooded roadways. Pets should be brought indoors. Downed power lines should be treated as live and dangerous; outages can be reported to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power at 1-800-342-5397.
Life-threatening emergencies should be reported by calling 911. Non-urgent issues, such as flooding or fallen trees that do not pose an immediate danger, can be reported through 3-1-1 or the MyLA311 system. Officials also reminded residents not to operate generators indoors or in enclosed spaces due to carbon monoxide risks.
