SEVERE STORM WARNING FOR L.A.: Deadly Weather Event
DATE: August 20-21, 2023 (Sunday & Monday)
REGIONS AFFECTED: Portions of Southwest California, including Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.
URGENT REAL ESTATE BULLETIN — The National Weather Service is issuing a storm warning due to the imminent threat of Hurricane Hilary, a deadly, monstrous storm currently swirling off the coast of Mexico. While Los Angeles has traditionally remained shielded from the brunt of most hurricanes, current projections suggest that the city and its nearby regions will experience the outskirts of Hurricane Hilary, resulting in unusual and hazardous conditions. While the winds probably won’t hit Category 5 in California, we could possibly sustain a direct hit by unprecedented rainfall, with historic damage, destructive winds and deadly flooding in and around L.A. Be prepared! This could be one of the worst, if not THE worst SoCal storm of our lifetime.
EXPECTED IMPACTS:
- Flash Flooding: Due to heavy rainfall, residents are advised to be cautious of dangerous flash floods, especially in low-lying areas, near the coast and near the L.A. River. Hills and desert areas are at significant risk of landslides, flash floods and mudslides.
- Strong Winds: Tropical storm-force winds are expected throughout the city, with gusts potentially reaching hurricane strength.
- Storm Surge and Rogue Waves: Coastal regions, especially beachfront properties, are at risk from rising tides, strong waves, and potential storm surges.
- Lightning: Increased electrical storm activity poses a threat to residents and infrastructure.
- Power Outages: High winds and lightning can lead to widespread, extended power disruptions, residents are advised to prepare accordingly.
- Food Shortages, Water Shortages, Gas Shortages, Fires and Widespread Looting are distinct possibilities in L.A., as emergency services may become instantly overwhelmed.
Fires can occur after a hurricane, although it might seem counterintuitive given the large amounts of water associated with such storms. There are several reasons why fires can break out after a hurricane:
- Downed Power Lines: Hurricanes can bring strong winds that knock down trees and power lines. Downed power lines can spark and ignite fires, especially if they come into contact with flammable materials.
- Gas Leaks: The destruction caused by a hurricane can lead to gas leaks from damaged infrastructure. This gas can be ignited by a variety of sources, leading to fires. Also, be aware of potential carbon monoxide poisoning and electrocution risks.
- Generators and Improper Use of Equipment: After a hurricane, power outages are common. Many people use generators to restore electricity, but if these are not used correctly, they can pose a fire risk. For instance, placing a generator too close to a home or not adequately ventilating it can lead to fires.
- Debris: Hurricanes leave behind a lot of debris, including broken trees and damaged structures. While this debris may be wet initially, it can dry out over time, especially under hot and sunny conditions that might follow a storm. Once dried, this debris can serve as fuel for fires.
- Delayed Emergency Response: In the aftermath of a hurricane, emergency services might be overwhelmed with calls, roads may be blocked or flooded, and resources might be stretched thin. This can delay the response to emerging fires, allowing them to grow much larger than they might under normal circumstances.
- Compromised Firefighting Infrastructure: In areas hit hardest by a hurricane, water supplies and firefighting equipment can be compromised, making it more challenging to fight fires. Police and ambulance services may be limited or non-existent for extended periods.
While the risk of fires following a hurricane is real, it’s worth noting that the immediate aftermath of a hurricane is more often characterized by flooding, wind damage, and storm surge impacts. Still, residents and officials should be aware of and prepared for the potential fire risks in the wake of such storms.
AREAS UNDER WATCH:
A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for:
- Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands
- Antelope Valley Foothills
- San Gabriel Mountains
- Interstate 5 Corridor
- Santa Clarita Valley
- Highway 14 Corridor
RECOMMENDED PRECAUTIONS:
- Ensure you have emergency kits ready, including food, water, batteries, ice, flashlights, fire extinguisher, first aid kit and medications for at least 72 hours.
- Keep phones and portable electronics 100% charged.
- Stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. Leave the area, if practical.
- Secure outdoor items or bring them indoors to avoid potential hazards.
- Avoid driving through flooded roads. Do not drive or walk into an area that is completely covered with water.
- Stay informed by tuning in to local news, radio, and trusted online sources.
- Listen to the guidance of local authorities and emergency services.
The National Weather Service will continue to closely monitor Hurricane Hillary, and to provide updates as needed. Please take all necessary precautions and stay safe.
The Greater Los Angeles Area: A History and Future of Devastating Floods
Los Angeles, with its glitzy facade and star-studded history, is often associated with glamour, celebrities, and year-round sunshine. However, what might come as a surprise to many is the city’s susceptibility to devastating floods. The region’s unique geographical and meteorological conditions often position it at the crossroads of droughts and deluges, causing the transition from dry spells to heavy rains to be sudden and intense. This article delves deep into the historic and projected flood events of the Greater Los Angeles Area, revealing a side of the region that often remains overshadowed.
In October 2019, the L.A. Loft Blog predicted a future respiratory outbreak. It came true fairly quickly. Now, we’re predicting a major flood — oh, and killer earthquakes too, of course. These things all happen once in a while in Los Angeles, sometimes many years or many decades apart. Based on history, we’re overdue for both.
A Past Marked by Destruction
The January rains of 2018 that wreaked havoc in Montecito offered a grim reminder of the deadly potential of sudden flood events. In just a few hours, heavy rainfall transformed serene neighborhoods into muddy death traps, causing considerable damage and leading to the loss of at least 21 lives.
Eight decades earlier, Southern California witnessed a similar catastrophe when relentless rains over six days in 1938 led to extensive flooding. During this event, rain fell rapidly, resulting in the inundation of large sections of the San Fernando Valley and severe damage to the Los Angeles River infrastructure.
Such catastrophes triggered a massive flood control campaign by government officials. A series of dams were constructed, and rivers were deepened and reinforced with concrete. The objective was simple: swiftly divert floodwaters to the sea before they could cause havoc.
The Nightmare Scenario: ARkStorm
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), after collaboration with over a hundred experts from various sectors, unveiled a harrowing scenario in 2011. Termed as the ARkStorm (Atmospheric River 1,000 Storm), this hypothetical situation combines extreme storm patterns from 1969 and 1986. If such a storm sequence were to become reality, the consequences would be unprecedented, surpassing even a major earthquake’s economic impact. Specifically, the flood event could prompt the evacuation of 1.5 million people and lead to financial damages totaling $725 billion.
The Great Flood of 1861 is the best historical reference of a realistic scenario. During this event, relentless rains for 45 days turned most of the Central Valley and Los Angeles Basin into expansive lakes. Although modern-day flood-control measures have largely kept such catastrophes at bay, there remains an undeniable potential for recurrence.
The 1861-62 flood is emblematic of the severity such natural disasters can inflict. Entire industries were wiped out, and the flood waters affected one-third of California’s taxable land, even driving the state to bankruptcy.
Looming Threats and Challenges
Given the unpredictability and increasing frequency of extreme weather events, it’s plausible that the Greater Los Angeles Area might experience an extreme storm event in the foreseeable future. The scenario paints a distressing picture, with widespread flooding impacting regions from Long Beach to West Covina, Carson to Downey, and even stretching into Northern Orange County. Silicon Valley, too, wouldn’t be spared.
Moreover, the present flood protection in California isn’t designed to handle such monumental events. Levees, crucial structures preventing inundation, might not withstand the onslaught of severe storm streamflows. Very close to the L.A. River, Alta Lofts building could become partially submerged. This is one instance in which a higher-up residential unit could be a life saver. LA metro tunnels could become underground rivers of doom, as water gravitates downward.
The USGS projects catastrophic consequences for a storm event, including the flooding of entire cities, levee breaches, and wastewater treatment plant failures, potentially leading to untreated sewage contaminating water supplies. So, head for the hills, or head for the high-rise!
The Greater Los Angeles Area’s susceptibility to major flood events is a stark reminder that nature’s fury often transcends human preparations. These extreme storm scenarios, while hypothetical, offer valuable insights into the region’s potential vulnerabilities. Proactive measures, investments in infrastructure, and community awareness can help mitigate the impact of future flood events and safeguard the future of this iconic region.
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Copyright © This free information provided courtesy L.A. Loft Blog with information provided by Corey Chambers, Broker DRE 01889449. We are not associated with the seller, homeowner’s association or developer. For more information, contact 213-880-9910 or visit LALoftBlog.com Licensed in California. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Text, photos and artist renderings created or modified by artificial intelligence. Properties subject to prior sale or rental. This is not a solicitation if buyer or seller is already under contract with another broker.