Storm Hilary Puts WeHo Community on Edge – Then Came an Earthquake

Tropical Storm Hilary (formerly known as Hurricane Hilary) brought waves of heavy showers to the southland on Sunday, causing some minor flooding throughout the City of West Hollywood at some major cross streets along Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue (there was a huge puddle on La Cienega Boulevard and Melrose Avenue).

It was wet and overcast around the LGBT Rainbow District, and the temperatures were in the 70s. The area was fairly quiet around 1pm, which is usually bustling with people as they prepare for the various drag brunches on the strip.

Some business took precautions and closed for the day, or closed early as the rain became more aggressive, while for other businesses, it was just a rainy day, so it was business as usual.

Kale Me Crazy was flooded (see photo below), while most of the bars were closed in the early afternoon.

The rain also had the entire Los Angeles on Flash Flood Warning alerts throughout the day, but there were no major floods reported in West Hollywood aside from the usual water blockages.

Then adding to the stress of flood warnings and rolling blackouts, there was also a tremor in the midst of the rain. The United States Geological Survey confirmed a 5.1 magnitude earthquake at approximately 2:41 p.m. on Sunday with an epicenter southeast of Ojai. According to a WeHo City bulletin, the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station deputies and LA County Fire Department personnel were prepared to respond to any emergencies.

The city of West Hollywood posted the following updates on Sunday:

Update 8/20, 8PM: Effective immediately, due to storm conditions, the City is suspending parking permit regulations and citations for street sweeping. This suspension will remain in effect for the rest of Sunday, August 20 and during Monday, August 21. Permit regulations and citations for street sweeping will resume on Tuesday, August 22.

Update 8/20, 6:45PM: LA County Library locations – including West Hollywood Library – will be closed on Monday, August 21.

Update 8/20, 5:45PM: West Hollywood Aquatic Center swimming pools and all aquatics programming will be shut on Monday, August 21. Tennis and pickleball courts at West Hollywood Park and Plummer Park will be closed on Monday, August 21.

Update 8/20, 5:30PM: The PickUp will end service at 8PM tonight, Sunday, August 20, due to heavy rains and storm conditions.

Update 8/20, 5:15PM: For information about power outages, please visit the Southern California Edison (SCE) Outage Center at www.sce.com/outages. 

Update 8/20, 5PM: Los Angeles Unified School District has that schools will be closed on Monday, August 21.

Update 8/20, 3:45PM: The United States Geological Survey confirmed a 5.1 magnitude earthquake at approximately 2:41PM today with an epicenter southeast of Ojai. Community members may feel aftershocks. Check your homes for any signs of damage. West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station deputies and LA County Fire Department personnel are prepared to respond to any emergencies: dial 911 for gas leaks or for any life-threatening emergencies. During a quake: drop, cover, and hold on. A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect, as well. Review emergency preparedness plans and don’t forget to check on neighbors, friends, and loved ones.

Update 8/20, 1PM: The Helen Albert Certified Farmers’ Market has been cancelled for Monday, August 21 due to heavy rains and storm conditions.

Update 8/20, 10:45AM: Free sand-filled sandbags are still available at the City’s Operations Center, located at 7317 Romaine Street (at Fuller Avenue). The City is extending its hours of operation for sandbag pick-up; sandbags will be available until 12 p.m. today, Sunday, August 20.

Update 8/20, 9AM: Please remember that driving in rain can be dangerous. If you must be on roads, adjust your driving style for wet surfaces and reduced visibility. Slow down, turn on headlights, use windshield wipers, maintain a safe distance, and watch for flooding and debris. If a traffic signal is out of order, drivers should treat intersections as if there are stop signs in all directions.

Update 8/20, 8AM: Due to weather conditions, all LA County Library locations – including West Hollywood Library – will be closed on Sunday, August 20.

Update 8/19, 2PM: The City distributed its full supply of sandbags on Saturday, August 19 and has secured an additional inventory of sandbags to distribute on Sunday, August 20, beginning at 9AM. Details below.

Update 8/19, 12PM: City of West Hollywood Human Services Division staff members have reached out to the City’s contracted homeless services organizations to offer to support in light of the potential impact of the storm on unhoused community members in the City. At this time, the City has received no requests for additional support; staff will continue to monitor needs. As part of the City’s Homeless Initiative, homeless services, including outreach, continue to be provided as usual throughout the weekend. Community members may call the Homeless Concern Line, which is monitored by staff, at (323) 848-6590.

To stay informed, visit: https://www.weho.org/Home/Components/News/News/10953/23