LOS ANGELES (NOVEMBER 15, 2023) – Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) crews are prepared to respond to any potential power outages that may occur as a rainstorm is forecasted to hit Los Angeles today. The Department will monitor the storm system closely and will respond accordingly, with the ability to schedule crews to be available around the clock, including scheduling additional qualified line clearance crews for tree clearing.
During the storm, winds could blow down large objects such as trees, or cause branches and palm fronds to strike power lines which could cause power outages. This is especially true when soil becomes oversaturated by the rain, causing it to loosen and uproot trees. These trees and palm fronds that dried out during the summer can then fall on power lines and cause outages. If that occurs, a crew’s first responsibility is to secure the affected area to protect the public from safety hazards posed by downed trees and power lines, followed by the removal of trees entangling LADWP power poles and power lines. Only after this is done can crews begin to conduct repair work and restore power.
LADWP also reminds customers to use caution around any downed or dangling wires or poles. If you see a downed wire, always assume it is live. Do not assume a downed wire is a communication line. Never touch any wire that is down or dangling and immediately dial 9-1-1.
In addition to downed trees, flooding and water intrusion into underground electrical systems may also occur, resulting in power outages. When the affected equipment is underground, crews must go from vault to vault to identify the source of the damage before repairs can take place, which can also take time.
In preparation of the rain, LADWP recommends customers take the following steps:
- Keep a flashlight and extra batteries nearby.
- Never use candles in a power outage or other emergency.
- Keep your cellphone fully charged as your cordless “landline” may also lose connectivity during a storm.
- Keep a fully charged portable cell phone charger handy in case you need to charge any of your electronics while power is out.
If power does go out:
- Report outages online and track crew status at www.ladwp.com/outages or by calling 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397).
- Sign up for outage alerts at ladwp.com/OutageAlert
- Switch off all lights, except for one, so you will know when your power has been restored.
- Keep your refrigerator closed to keep food cold.
- Check on vulnerable friends and neighbors to make sure they are safe.
Follow LADWP via X, formerly known as Twitter, (@ladwp) and on NextDoor for potential outage information and updates.
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