The Los Angeles Post

SUPERVISOR HORVATH HIGHLIGHTS LA COUNTY EL NIÑO PREPARATIONS, HOW RESIDENTS CAN PREPARE NOW

by ·

LOS ANGELES, CA — Following an August 11 motion by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Los Angeles County emergency officials today outlined how Los Angeles County is preparing for the 2026-27 storm season and what residents can do now. El Niño could bring heavier rain and increase the risk of flooding, landslides, and debris flows across Los Angeles County.

“After fires, floods, and landslides, we know exactly what is at stake when heavy rain hits
Los Angeles,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “LA County crews have been
doing the work year-round; now we’re making sure every part of County government is
ready to move together when conditions change. The time to prepare is now, and Los
Angeles County is here to make sure our communities have the information, resources,
and support they need to be ready.”

LA County is preparing its flood control and emergency response systems now. Crews are inspecting and maintaining dams, debris basins, channels, storm drains, and pump stations; monitoring burn areas, hillsides, and other areas at risk of flooding and debris flows; and preparing for evacuations, emergency shelter, and other storm response. County teams are also preparing to assist people experiencing homelessness, older adults, and others who may need additional help during severe weather.

Here’s what residents can do now:

  • Sign up for emergency alerts: Go to alert.lacounty.gov to receive emergency notifications, including evacuation warnings and orders.
  • Know the risks where you live: If you are near a hillside, canyon, recent burn area, or area that can flood, learn your flood and mudflow risk before a storm.
  • Make an evacuation plan: Know where you will go and how you will get there if you need to leave quickly.
  • Have supplies ready: Keep enough food, water, medications, and other essentials for up to 10 days.
  • Prepare your home: Clear gutters, downspouts, and storm drains, fix roof leaks, and get sandbags before heavy rain is in the forecast.
  • Consider flood insurance: Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is separate and can take at least 30 days to go into effect.
  • Need help with mud or debris flow risk? Call LA County Public Works at 1-800-933-0930 to speak with an engineer.
  • Know someone experiencing homelessness who needs help? Visit homeless.lacounty.gov/get-help/
When storms hit: Never drive or walk through flooded roads. Stay away from downed power lines and flooded areas. Watch for rising water, mud, and debris flows, move to higher ground if you see them, and follow evacuation warnings and orders. Check on neighbors, older adults, youth, and others who may need help.

On Monday, September 28 at 6 p.m., Supervisor Horvath will host a virtual town hall open to all Los Angeles County residents where residents can ask County experts about El Niño, storm risks, County preparations, and how to be ready. Learn more at lindseyhorvath.lacounty.gov.

For preparedness information, emergency updates, and resources in one place, visit ready.lacounty.gov.