Mayor Warns Storms Could See LA River 'Almost Go Up To The Top'
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Mayor Eric Garcetti is urging Angelenos to prepare for a series of El Niño-related storms that could dump as much as three inches of rain on the Southland this week.
The city marked the launch of a new website where residents can track the storms - the first of which brought some light showers Monday morning - and prepare for what forecasters say could be potentially dangerous flooding conditions later in the week.
Officials have activated the emergency operations centers for the police and fire departments and the overall city, the mayor said.
Speaking on KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO, Garcetti said officials are especially concerned about homeless encampments along the Los Angeles River.
"Come Tuesday, this is going to be a tremendous storm, and we're going to the see the Los Angeles River almost go up to the top later in the week," he said.
People can call 311 for general information, and 911 in emergencies. Also, people can call 211 for information on shelters for the homeless, Garcetti said.
Even after crews cleaned out some 40,000 storm drains in the past few months, some trash pickups could be suspended during the upcoming storms, the mayor added.
"One thing people should know is if it's an especially rainy day, if you see water coming down the street, don't put your trash out," he said. "One overturned trash container can stop up the entire storm drain on your street and flood your entire street."
Residents were urged to help keep storm drains clear by notifying city officials or visiting ElNinoLA.com.
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