Los Angeles City Council has approved a motion directing key City departments to develop a coordinated flood preparedness plan for low-lying streets that repeatedly flood during heavy rain.
What The Flood Preparedness Plan Covers
The motion calls on multiple departments to work together on a single plan, including:
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Traffic management during flooded-street emergencies
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Pre-storm preparation and rapid response steps
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Clear roles for Police, Fire, Transportation, Street Services, and Emergency Management
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Focus on streets with a history of flooding, including areas near Vineland Avenue by Hollywood Burbank Airport
Why This Matters
Recent storms showed how quickly certain corridors can become unsafe. In flood-prone areas, streets can become impassable, cars can stall, and drivers may attempt risky maneuvers when they cannot see how deep the water is.
Even though Los Angeles often faces drought conditions, intense rain events can still create serious flood hazards. A coordinated plan helps the City respond faster, reduce confusion, and improve safety for drivers, residents, and first responders.
What Residents Can Do During Heavy Rain
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Avoid driving through standing water, depth is hard to judge
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Use alternate routes when you see flooded intersections
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Give first responders room to work
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Report blocked storm drains through 311 so water can drain faster
