Don't panic if you hear the word "tsunami" interrupting your radio listening, internet surfing, or television watching tomorrow morning. Barring the real deal taking place, there is a planned test exercise scheduled for September 21st by the National Weather Service to see if all systems are go when it comes to warning the West Coast.
Don't Panic: Tsunami Warning System Will Be Tested Wednesday Morning
Video: Watch Deputies Rescue Woman Clinging to Cliff in Eaton Canyon
Last week a rescue team was called in to airlift a trio of hikers clinging to a cliff in Eaton Canyon. A video from the Air 5 rescue team captured the rescue.
Can We Prevent Deaths in Eaton Canyon?
This has been a deadly summer for hikers ascending to the upper waterfalls at Eaton Canyon Park, prompting officials to warn hikers to know their limits when they go up against Mother Nature.
Altadena Patch has started a discussion about whether there is anything else that the public can do to keep hikers out of harm's way at the alluring but deadly hike to the upper waterfalls at Eaton Canyon.
Dumpster Diving Bears Force Glendale Residents To Secure Their Waste
Coyotes and bears, oh my! Southern California wildlife are hungry and braving inhabited zones for nourishment. Seven coyotes were recently trapped and killed following fatal attacks on dogs and have been deemed more deadly than usual this summer. A recent bear sighting in Northern Glendale has prompted a warning to neighbors.
Stormy Weather: Flash Flood Warning Issued for L.A. County
How quickly those blue skies can turn gray... The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Northeastern Los Angeles County, including the eastern Antelope Valley and adjacent foothills. The warning is in effect until 7:15 p.m. tonight.
More Trick than Treat: LASD Warns Beware Drug-Laced Goodies
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has issued a warning about the perils of (unknowingly) ingesting drug-laced Halloween treats. Basically it's a caveat emptor--or a trick-or-treat-caveat--for anyone who might get handed a packaged goodie that's filled with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and not be the best recipient.
Warning Issued for Wild Weekend Waters off SoCal Coast
If you're heading to the beach this weekend, take note of a warning issued for this weekend from the National Weather Service.
Crooks Targeting Manhattan Beach Apple Store Shoppers
A series of vehicle burglaries in the Manhattan Beach area recently have prompted local authorities to caution shoppers at the Apple Store at the Manhattan Beach Village Mall to not leave their purchases in their vehicles after leaving the store. Since September police have determined that the burglars have watched customers exiting the store with new computers and then seized the opportunity to break in to the vehicles once drivers have left the Mall and driven to other locations and left the computer unattended in the parked car. The Manhattan Beach PD is working on solving these crimes, and are reminding shoppers not to leave pricey goods unattended in cars, no matter how far from the place of purchase you go or if the vehicle is locked.
Earthquake Warning System Gets an Upgrade
California's earthquake warning system is getting a much needed upgrade with new monitors currently being installed, according to the LA Times. A five-second warning may not seem like a lot, but it could be enough when a major quake erupts outside an urban area: "Those precious seconds could allow emergency officials to shut off gas and water lines, raise fire station doors, stop subway operations and possibly even warn the public of shaking to come." Maybe we can put Los Angeles' antique air sirens back to work now?
Yucky Ocean Water Warning Extended to Saturday
Because rain continued to drop today, the Los Angeles County Department of Health extended an advisory that warned beach goers to stay away from swimming near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers. That's because "bacteria, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to enter ocean waters though these outlets," they said.
No Tsunami Activity Expected on West Coast After 8.0 Earthquake in Pacific Ocean
An 8.0 earthquake off the Vanatu Islands today prompted various tsunami watches and warnings in the South Pacific and a tsunami advisory for Hawaii. However, California and the rest of the West Coast, including Alaska, have not been put under any notifications from government officials, as of 4:27 p.m. PST.
Twin Sonic Booms Freak Out Non-@LAFD Followers
Just like every time a space shuttle lands at Edwards Air Force Base, the Los Angeles area is rocked by twin sonic booms. And every time, you can perk your ears up and listen to neighbors outside ask if it was an earthquake or big crash on the street. Luckily, the Los Angeles Fire Department, who faithfully warned the public through Twitter, reports no 911 calls, but someone did flag out an LAFD unit on the street to investigate. A search for the word "explosion" on Twitter still reveals many people who did not know what was going on, prompting the LAFDtalk account to sigh: "It's clear not everyone follows @LAFD." If you're a Twitter user, it's a really good idea to follow them (here's a good example illustrating why). Many others tweeted 9/11 references, which echoed this morning's alarming and freaky Coast Guard drill in Washington DC. "Hey @NASA, how about a lot more warning before sending the Shuttle and it's sonic boom over a large metropolitan area on Sept 11th?" huffed Dana Brunetti. @NASA unfortunately didn't tweet a warning and that's why we follow @LAFD.
Rain to Affect Beach Water Quality Through Sunday
When it rains in the Los Angeles area, the yucky stuff (you know, bacteria, debris, trash, and other public health hazards) from city streets and mountain areas enter the ocean via storm drains, creeks and rivers. That means, swimming near them for the next few days can be hazardous for your health.
Red Flag Warning Declared for Region
Well, here we go again. The National Weather Service has now officially declared a Red Flag Warning for the Los Angeles and surrounding areas beginning at 11:00 p.m. this evening through 11:00 p.m. Friday. "Northeast winds 15 to 30 MPH with local gusts to 40MPH can be expected through and below canyons tonight and early Wednesday and again Wednesday night and early Thursday," the agency reports. "In addition, single digit humidity levels will occur during daytime hours through at least Friday." A red flag warning means that the combination of these conditions mixed with the warm weather creates critical fire weather conditions.

