Los Angeles County officials on Tuesday warned that an atmospheric river was expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and flood‑related hazards and that targeted evacuation notifications are underway.

Supervisor Hilda Solis, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, said "Beginning today through Thursday, an atmospheric river is expected to deliver up to 10 inches of rain across Los Angeles County," and urged residents to "stay informed and be prepared" by visiting ready.lacounty.gov/rain and signing up for alert.lacounty.gov. She also reminded people to call 211 for homeless assistance and 911 for emergencies.

The warning followed remarks from Sheriff Robert Luna, who described a "surgical outreach" of door knocks and said the Sheriff's Department had "a total of a 124 evacuation orders in place" in unincorporated areas. "If you are told to evacuate, you have an order in place," Luna said, adding that deputies would return to residences to ensure people were notified and that evacuation orders should be heeded because they indicate an immediate danger.

Mark Pastrella, director of Los Angeles County Public Works and chief engineer for the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, described storm hazards and the infrastructure the county will use to manage flows: "We expect the event to produce a lot of rain over a short period of time," he said, forecasting "4 to 8 inches in the valley and coastal areas, 6 to 12 inches in the foothill mountain areas" and winds of "50 to 60 miles per hour." Pastrella said his office has identified about "383 properties" they consider vulnerable and recommended residents in affected areas shelter in place in flood‑free homes or go to county shelters.

Pastrella warned that dam releases and river flows could make channels and streets unsafe: "Six inches of moving water can move a small car," he said, urging drivers to avoid ponded or moving water and to leave early if travel is necessary.

County Fire Chief Anthony Maroney said the department had augmented staffing and was prepared to deploy ground and air resources, including swift‑water rescue from Air Rescue 5. "Never approach downed power lines," Maroney said, and he urged residents to prepare a go bag with water, medications and a battery‑powered radio.

Kevin McGowan, director of the Office of Emergency Management, reiterated the importance of signing up for local and county alert systems and heeding notices from the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard field office. He confirmed the county's emergency operations center would be activated to coordinate the response.

In a question-and-answer session, officials defended urging residents to postpone travel and said notifications for evacuation orders are being made in person; officials said specific addresses are not published online for privacy but that road closures and general guidance are available at lacounty.gov/emergency. Sheriff Luna reiterated that warnings and orders are issued because of a real threat and emphasized compliance for safety.

Officials also said homeless outreach teams have contacted people living near waterways and that LAHSA and partner organizations are offering services and motel vouchers for those who need shelter. The press conference concluded with plans for Spanish and Mandarin remarks and an offer for one-on-one interviews.

What residents can do now: sign up for Alert LA and local city alerts, avoid flood control channels and moving water, follow evacuation orders and warnings, pick up sandbags and emergency supplies if possible, and call 211 for social services or 911 for immediate danger.

The county provided online resources at ready.lacounty.gov/rain and lacounty.gov/emergency for evacuation maps, road closures and shelter locations.

(Press conference ended; officials offered side interviews.)