Wednesday, February 26, 2025

LA County Ratifies Local Emergency for Winter Storm

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Tuesday ratified a local emergency proclamation for this month’s winter storm, which caused damage in areas made vulnerable by January’s wildfires.

The board voted 4-0 Tuesday to proclaim a local emergency to allow for faster access to resources and aid.

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath was away from the meeting during the vote.

“As a result of the winter storm, the County has been impacted by high winds, substantial precipitation, closure and damage to highways and roads, evacuation warnings and orders in areas impacted by burn scars, debris flows, and significant river and urban flooding, land movement incidents, widespread power outages, and other significant damage,” Tuesday’s motion said.

The proclamation of a local emergency enables first responders and county departments accelerated procurement of vital supplies. An emergency status can potentially lead to reimbursement and assistance from the state and federal government.

Heavy rainfall caused debris and mudslides in coastal areas decimated by the Palisades Fire, with most of the damage occurring on Feb. 13.