Incoming storm prompts warnings by authorities in Southern California

By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

Ahead of a second storm expected to bring anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of rainfall to much of the Los Angeles basin and as much as 6 inches in the foothills, authorities with L.A. County were warning homeless residents residing in local riverbeds Sunday.  

The second storm comes just weeks after a unprecedented amount of rain fell across the Southland, causing floods and mudslides.  

Officials with the National Weather Service forecast the latest rounds of rain to start Sunday and linger through Wednesday.  

Rescue crews ‘strategically’ positioned ahead of severe storm, Gov. Newsom says

Authorities with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homeless Outreach Services Team, along with Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, spent Sunday warning unhoused residents camping in riverbeds of the incoming storm and potentially dangerous conditions.  

L.A. County deputies warning unhoused residents in local riverbeds about potentially dangerous conditions expected with incoming storm on Feb. 18, 2024. (LASD)L.A. County deputies warning unhoused residents in local riverbeds about potentially dangerous conditions expected with incoming storm on Feb. 18, 2024. (LASD)L.A. County deputies warning unhoused residents in local riverbeds about potentially dangerous conditions expected with incoming storm on Feb. 18, 2024. (LASD)

During the last set of storms, rescue crews across Southern California were dispatched to save residents who had gotten trapped in low-lying areas with fast moving water.  

In the Inland Empire, 10 people and 17 dogs were rescued from swollen riverbeds in separate incidents. 

First responders with the Los Angeles Fire Department conducted a risky air rescue in the swollen L.A. River on Feb. 5, pulling a man who had jumped in after his dog was swept away out of the turbulent waters, the AP reported.  

The dog was able to swim to safety, while the man was flown to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

A flood watch for Los Angeles County is currently in effect through Wednesday at 10 a.m. 

With the second set of rains expected this evening, experts are warning residents to stay prepared by taking the following precautions:  

Keep emergency supplies, such as a flashlight, water, food, a first-aid kit, portable radio, and extra batteries on-hand and easily accessible. 

Clear all drains and rain gutters on your property and dispose of all trash and yard trimmings properly to avoid blocking drains. 

Know how to turn off utilities. 

Monitor forecasts to be aware of weather that may impact the area. 

Subscribe to receive Alert LA County emergency notifications by email or text message by signing up at https://ready.lacounty.gov/alerts and subscribe to Nixle public safety alerts by texting your ZIP code to 888-777. 

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About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.