This story was updated at 2:30 p.m.
This afternoon we learned more about local flooding from neighbors in Hancock Park. Rossmore Avenue, often a spot for local flooding, did not disappoint.
On Sunday evening, the roadway began to fill with water in front of 145 N. Rossmore Avenue where the storm drain is located and the lowest spot on the street. Drivers, unfamiliar with the area, or unable to see the water drove through the flooded street, some were able to turn around but others got stranded.
The Rossmore resident who shared these images with the Buzz said that cars were stranded up to the windows for hours. He said he saw three rounds of tow trucks remove the cars. At some point, the water receded and LAFD arrived to put up caution tape. The street is now clear except for the remnants of the tape.
The National Weather Service has updated the forecast extending the flood watch through 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Locally, we could see another 3 inches of rain added to the nearly 10 inches of rain that has fallen in the area since the arrival of this historic storm. With one more day of rain still to come, residents are advised to avoid driving if possible.
If you see a downed power line, call 9-1-1 immediately.
For non-emergencies, contact 3-1-1
If you see a clogged storm drain or a specific area accumulating a large amount of stormwater, contact LA Sanitation immediately at 800-773-2489
In the event of a power outage, visit www.ladwp.com/outages or call LADWP at 1-800-DIAL DWP (1-800-342-5397)
If you are unhoused or see someone during the storm without shelter, call 2-1-1 or the LAHSA Winter Shelter Line at 1-800-548-6047.
Earlier this morning, residents reported soggy conditions but generally draining streets, a minor power outage, and several downed trees. Overall, no significant interruptions to life considering the volume of rain that has fallen and continues to fall.
Hancock Park Board member Susan Grossman reported that storm drains on Lillian Way, Rosewood Avenue, and Clinton Street are working.
“The big storm drain at the end of Lillian Way is wide open and funneling all the runoff before it hits Rosewood. The storm drains on Clinton are also both open and there’s no standing water,” said Grossman in a text to Hancock Park HOA president Cindy Chvatal-Keane who has been hearing from residents throughout the storm.
Lillian Way resident Adam Greenfield also told the Buzz the streets are draining and no one lost power in the neighborhood. A mature Cedar Deodora tree fell over in the 600 block of Lillian Way and city crews were already on the scene clearing the street.
We heard of one power outage Sunday afternoon when a palm tree fell on a power line but service was restored about five hours later.
Our local schools are open today, including Third Street Elementary School according to parent Jocelyn Minton.
Overall, the neighborhood seems to have weathered the storm though it’s still in progress. Rain is expected to continue throughout the day as the storm system is sitting over the region. Already, we have seen record rainfalls in the area with more expected today. Flash flood warnings are still in effect until 3 p.m. today and residents are urged to stay off the roads if possible. Over 4.10″ of rain has fallen in downtown LA breaking the daily record of 2.55″ set in 1927, according to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles.
On Sunday, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency for Southern California counties, including Los Angeles, to support storm recovery efforts, as a massive winter rainstorm made landfall, bringing high winds and punishing rain. The proclamation also covers Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and San Luis Obispo counties.
We will keep updating this story as news develops.
