Storm Brings Fallen Trees, Rockslide and Spike in Emergency Calls

Mayor Eric Garcetti and other city officials said today some trees have fallen from the rain and the Sepulveda Basin is filling with water, but while there haven’t yet been any major problems from the precipitation, residents should be prepared.

“So far things seem to be holding relatively well,” Garcetti said at a morning news conference, during which he announced that the city’s Emergency Operations Center had been activated.

He encouraged residents to visit the city’s ElNinoLA.com website for information on the storm and ways to be prepared.

He also said city operations are so far continuing as normal, and trash collection will continue as normal. City officials have said previously that they might consider suspending trash pickups to prevent cans and debris from being washed into storm drains during rainstorms.

“We’ll let people know and keep people abreast,” Garcetti said.

At least three trees have been reported down this morning from the rain, according to the mayor, and more are likely to come down as the precipitation continues.

Flooding has been reported in the Sepulveda Basin, resulting in street closures in the area -- although Garcetti noted that the basin is designed to collect rain runoff.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas said the LAFD anticipates a 20 percent jump in emergency calls when the brunt of the rain hits, so residents should be prepared, since fire crews may not be able to respond to them as quickly as usual.

“Make sure that you, your home and your vehicle are just as prepared as we are,” he said. “The LAFD will be extremely busy once the rains arrive in full force.”

Terrazas and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck both urged residents to limit their time on the roads during the storm, and drive with caution if they are on the streets.

Terrazas stressed that residents should ensure their homes are prepared for the rain.

“Make sure gutters are clear, the roof is checked and you check drainage issues on your property,” he said.

The chief noted that sandbags are available at all LAFD stations.

Around the county:

• The city’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated in response to this morning’s rain, and the Sepulveda Basin is filling with water -- as it is designed to do. Motorists are being urged to avoid the area of Sepulveda Boulevard and Burbank.
• Some boulders have slid onto Malibu Canyon Road near the tunnel, about two miles north of Pacific Coast Highway, and several vehicles have been damaged, according to the California Highway Patrol.
• The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a rain advisory for area beaches, noting that runoff from the storm will carry bacteria and debris into the ocean water. People should avoid swimming near storm drains, creeks and river that carry runoff into the river, officials say. The advisory will remain in effect until at least Friday.
• Due to the rain, multiple recreation areas have been closed in the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. The Rowher Flats and Drinkwater Off Highway Vehicle areas are closed, along with the South Fork, Big Rock, Gould Mesa and Coldbrook campgrounds, and the Bridge to Nowhere Trail.

City News Service; Photo: pixabay.com