Hurricane Hilary is heading toward Southern California, expected to bring heavy rain, storm force winds, and potential flash flooding to parts of the area. The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm watch for Los Angeles County for the first time ever, with the worst conditions expected on Sunday and Monday.
On Sunday morning, the storm was downgraded to a tropical storm, with officials expecting it to weaken further before it reaches southern California. However, the storm is still projected to produce 3–6 inches of rain throughout Southern California, with up to 10 inches and potentially catastrophic flash flooding in some areas. Officials are also projecting strong winds, a storm surge along the coast, and even the possibility of tornadoes throughout the Southwest.
“As we head into this weekend, I urge Angelenos to continue monitoring the hurricane and be mindful of extreme weather warnings,” LA Mayor Karen Bass said on Friday. “We know the severe impact that weather can have on our communities. I am making sure Los Angeles is prepared on behalf of our residents, including the unhoused Angelenos living on our streets, to get through this storm.”
Be Prepared
Make an Emergency Plan
The best way to prepare for an emergency is to have a plan in place. Gather essential supplies (food, water, medications) and form a communication strategy in the event of a power outage.
Ready LA County is an initiative aimed at helping residents prepare for emergencies. Their website offers guidance on creating a family emergency plan, assembling an emergency kit, and staying informed during disasters.
Mayor Karen Bass announced preparedness measures the City of Los Angeles is taking for heavy rain and winds, and urged Angelenos to stay vigilant and utilize city resources. Learn more here.
The worst conditions are expected in Los Angeles County on Sunday and Monday, but here are a few tips for ways to prepare in the coming days:
Make sure your tires have proper tread and that your windshield wipers are operating properly.
Check your vehicles for working headlights/taillights.
Prepare your home for heavy rain (make sure gutters and storm drains are free of debris, secure outdoor items or bring them inside) and familiarize yourself with evacuation routes.
Prepare an emergency kit, including food and water, medications, a first aid kit, cash and important documents, and flashlights with extra batteries. (Learn more here.)
What to Do During the Storm
The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm watch for much of Southern California, including Los Angeles County, forecasting high winds, excessive rainfall, and high surf, with the potential for flash floods, mudslides, and power outages.
If possible, stay at home.
When driving, do not attempt to cross flooded areas or enter moving water—even just a few inches of water can be deadly.
Stay out of waterways and river channels.
Stay away from downed power lines and immediately report them to 911.
Follow all instructions from emergency responders and emergency alert notifications, including evacuation notices.
For the City of Los Angeles, the Department of Transportation will make any announcements involving significant road closures or transportation impacts here.
Resources for People Experiencing Homelessness
An estimated 75,000 unhoused people will be on the streets of Los Angeles during Hurricane Hilary. The Center’s emergency housing for LGBTQ+ youth is open, but space is limited.
“This storm highlights what our frontline staff at the Center confront every day: Our unhoused young people are vulnerable and unprotected on the streets of Los Angeles, often without access to basic resources like shelter and food,” said Lisa Phillips, Director of Youth Services at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. “Today and every day, we’re providing shelter and a safe drop-in space for young people to come inside. Our staff is also out in the streets, increasing outreach efforts to bring people inside and out of harm’s way.”
See below for more information from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority about outreach for people experiencing homelessness during the storm:
Stay Informed
Sign up for emergency alerts and keep up to date on the latest information about the storm.
