Los Angeles County has been hit with nearly nonstop rain for three days, and local and state leaders have deployed resources to counter the damage.

The passing atmospheric river has caused flooding, mudslides, damaged buildings, and eroded roadways in the city of L.A.

Throughout the weekend, Angelenos were startled by emergency alert notifications warning of life-threatening floods and were asked not to travel and be alert for evacuation orders.

Between Sunday, Feb. 4, and Monday, Feb. 5, Los Angeles saw its wettest two-day rainfall in February and third-strongest two-day rainfall, the most since January 1656. In less than a week into the month, it is already the 13th wettest February in the city’s history at nearly 9 inches of rainfall.

“Rainfall in downtown Los Angeles on the 4th and the 5th totaled 7.03
inches,” The National Weather Service said. “That is the third wettest consecutive two-day total since official weather records began in 1877. The record for most rainfall for two days in a row in Downtown Los Angeles is 7.98 inches on December 31.”

In Malibu, all schools were temporarily closed, both as a precaution and due to road closures. It was the only school district in Los Angeles affected.


Amid the storm, California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in multiple counties impacted by the storm.

“California is ready with a record number of emergency assets on the ground to respond to this storm,” the governor’s office wrote in a statement. “This is a serious storm with dangerous and potentially life-threatening impacts. Pay attention to any emergency orders or alerts from local officials.”

On Monday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed a state of emergency declaration, which allows city funds and resources to be used where needed.

“Crews are working around the clock to address floods and areas at risk of being impacted by heavy rain,” Bass said Monday. “This morning I signed a declaration of a local emergency, which will help our response and ensure that LA has the resources to respond to the storm now and as we recover.”

While federal aid has not been activated as of this writing, U.S. President Joe Biden said the Southland would receive support “upon request.”

“President Biden called… because he was concerned about what was happening in Los Angeles and he offered his support,” Mayor Bass said during a press conference Tuesday. “He told me to call if there’s anything we need, so I can assure Angelenos that call will be made today.”

Bass also invited Gov. Newsom to Los Angeles to help assess the damage and resources that may be needed from the state. As of this writing, there have been more than 300 reported mudslides by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and more than 7,000 residents without power. Multiple mountainous communities were evacuated near La Tuna Canyon Road, as it is a high-risk flood and mudslide area.

“The city staff have worked diligently throughout the night to maintain city services and to address immediate needs and issues,” Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said Tuesday. “Between six to 12 inches of rain have fallen across the region. This rain will continue to cause hazardous road conditions.”

The city has activated 12 winter shelters, six more than usual, in collaboration with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Those needing support and information relating to the shelters may call 2-1-1.

“The city will be working around the clock to serve,” Mayor Bass said. “And we will keep you informed as the storm continues.”