EDITOR'S NOTE: Multimedia journalist Sarah Pilla reported on the Beverly Crest storm damage amid Los Angeles' state of emergency. Click the arrow above to watch the video.
LOS ANGELES — One day after declaring a local emergency to ensure resources for the city's recovery from this week's record-setting storm, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Tuesday urged residents to continue acting with caution as long as the rain is still falling.
Bass' action Monday came on the heels of similar emergency declarations by Los Angeles County and Gov. Gavin Newsom, who declared an emergency for all of Southern California. The mayor recognized that Sunday's storm marked the 10th wettest day in the history of the city since recording rain amounts began in 1877.
"Though the rain is easing up, we cannot drop our guard," Bass said Tuesday evening. "We are expecting rain this evening and a surge of heavy rains in a short period of time that may impact tomorrow's commute."
She emphasized that residents must be cautious and continue to heed warnings, especially around the hillsides as they are saturated with rain.
"Even (light) rains can still lead to additional mudslides," she added.
Bass reiterated that President Joe Biden called her Monday evening and expressed concern about what was happening in Los Angeles.
"The president had said `Look, first of all, I think you guys are undergoing one hell of an operation here. We'll get any help on the way as soon as you guys request it, so just let me know. That's why I'm calling,"' Bass said.
"... I can assure Angelenos that call will be made today," Bass said Tuesday. "I've invited Gov. Newsom to come down to assist in the recovery effort."
Bass previously noted that the city had to evacuate certain neighborhoods, and said residents will receive an alert if their area requires an evacuation. Some of those evacuations had been by late afternoon.
Residents were asked to keep 911 lines open for life-threatening emergencies, including fallen power lines. The city's 311 hours to request service have been extended for flooded roads, fallen branches, flooded gutters and more. In case of power outages or water main breaks, residents should call the Department of Water and Power at 1-800-DIAL-DWP.
Bass reiterated that her office, alongside the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, has done "intensified" outreach to people experiencing homelessness near the LA River and in high flood-risk areas. The city's shelters were full, she added.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said about six to 12 inches of rain fell across the LA region.
"I'm very proud of the efforts of our first responders and our city workers who have come together to keep our residents and visitors safe, and to limit the damage of this storm," Crowley said during the evening news conference. "So as we shift our focus from immediate response to long-term recovery, I want to emphasize the importance of unity and cooperation."
In response to the storm, the Los Angeles Fire Department added more helicopter pilots, swift-water rescue, community emergency response and urban search and rescue teams, as well as command and dispatch staff to assist more than 1,000 firefighters already on duty. Crowley said the department will maintain an augmented resource deployment.
The chief said the LAFD responded to 475 mudslides, 390 fallen trees, multiple water rescues and increased volume in traffic collisions. A dozen structure fires were extinguished, 919 catch basin and stormwater command systems were also cleared, and the department received 441 reports of potholes.
Earlier in the day, Crowley noted 35 incidents of buildings requiring inspection due to mudslides and slope failures. Five buildings have been red tagged and seven buildings have been yellow tagged, she added.
"Even as we may see the rains subside over the next few hours, the water-soaked hillsides will continue to pose a mudslide threat," Crowley said. "If you live in a hillside area, stay informed on the conditions and please follow any evacuation warnings or orders."
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power reported earlier Tuesday that approximately 7,011 customers were without power, while more than 59,000 customers have already had their power restored.
The Department of Public Works reported 257 calls for service regarding fallen trees and branches, 159 reports of potholes and 875 catch basins and stormwater conveyance systems that have been cleared of debris.
Crowley reminded residents not to approach fallen power lines, and if they see one, to call 911 immediately.
"As we look into the passing of the storm in the near future, the city's Emergency Operations Center will turn into the recovery phase. Damage assessments will be made, and all the city departments will continue to coordinate efforts to address all service calls and mitigate all effects of this storm," Crowley said.
Tyler Kranz, the lead meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, made brief remarks on what residents can expect regarding weather conditions.
"After 1 a.m. tonight, the rain will gradually start to come to an end, but that's only temporary," Kranz said. "As you heard earlier, we do have rain on the way tomorrow evening."
Another storm system, a much lighter one, is expected to hit the LA region Wednesday at 10 p.m. Beyond Thursday into Friday, and entering the weekend, the forecast is sunny and warmer, he added.
"If you can stay off the roads that will be your best bet," Kranz said. "If you must drive, please be sure to never ever drive through a flooded road. It is truly impossible to tell how deep the water actually is."