LA County Expected To Declare State Of Emergency For Communities Hit By Severe Weather

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Los Angeles County officials were expected Friday to declare a state of emergency for several Southland areas due to severe weather that has caused property damage and traffic issues in many parts of the region.

County Supervisor Mike Antonovich released a statement calling for the Board of Supervisors to approve a local emergency proclamation for the unincorporated communities of Quartz Hill, Leona Valley, Lake Hughes and Elizabeth and surrounding areas in Los Angeles County.

Antonovich issued the call in the wake of severe weather Thursday that caused major flooding, mudslides and property damage in northern areas of Los Angeles County, including the Castaic and Mojave Desert areas.

"The rain, flooding and debris flows destroyed and damaged structures, including homes and forced the closure of major highways and local roads," said Antonovich. "These conditions warrant that the County proclaim the existence of a local emergency to free up resources to support response and recovery efforts."

Once the Board approves the declaration, it will head to Governor Jerry Brown's desk for his signature.