SUPERVISOR HORVATH SHARES COUNTY STORM PREPAREDNESS EFFORTS AHEAD OF RAINS

LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, alongside County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella, outlined the County’s storm preparedness efforts ahead of next week’s forecasted rainfall. With significant rains expected to begin Tuesday, February 4, officials emphasized the importance of proactive measures to prevent flooding, debris flows, and infrastructure damage—particularly in communities impacted by recent wildfires.

“Los Angeles County has been working around the clock to prepare for this storm, clearing debris basins, reinforcing infrastructure, and making sure our residents have the resources they need to stay safe,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Third District. “I want to thank all of our emergency response teams for their tireless work to protect our communities. I urge all residents to take this time to prepare—secure your property, use sandbags where needed, and stay informed as the storm approaches.”

“Keeping our communities safe requires a coordinated effort,” said Mark Pestrella, Director of Los Angeles County Public Works. “We are making sure storm drains are clear, debris basins are prepped, and that residents have access to resources to protect their properties.”

Key County storm preparedness actions include: 

• Debris Basin and Flood Control Maintenance – Public Works crews have been clearing storm drains, catch basins, and debris basins in vulnerable burn areas, removing over 400 cubic yards of mud and debris in Sunset Mesa alone.

• Infrastructure Reinforcements – With support from Cal OES, the County has deployed 679 feet of k-rail and over 1,500 sandbags in key locations within the Palisades and Eaton burn areas to slow runoff and prevent dangerous debris flows.

• Beach and Water Quality Protection – The County is actively working with Beaches and Harbors, Public Health, and state and federal agencies to prevent post-fire debris from polluting local beaches and coastal waters.

• Community Resources and Support – Free sandbags and flood risk assessments remain available to residents at designated locations, including the La Costa Post Office at 21229 PCH, Malibu.

Residents are urged to take immediate action to prepare for the storm by: 

• Clearing drainage paths around their properties

• Installing sandbags to direct runoff away from homes

• Avoiding travel in burn areas and mountain roads during heavy rainfall

• Signing up for emergency alerts at ready.lacounty.gov

Resources for Residents: 

• Sandbag locations: lacounty.pw/sandbags

• Free flood assessments: Call 800-933-0930

• Report storm-related issues: Call LA County Public Works 24-hour Dispatch Center at 800-675-HELP (4357). 

As the County continues to monitor the situation, residents should stay informed and follow guidance from emergency personnel.

For real-time updates, visit: pw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures/

Watch additional b-roll of LA County storm preparedness efforts here.