Mayor declares local emergency in Los Angeles as storm affects continue

A local emergency was declared on Monday by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass as the city continues to be battered by intense wind and rain.

During a press conference on Monday, Bass stated that the emergency declaration will "help our response and ensure that the city has the required resources to respond to the storm now, but also in the recovery period."

The mayor asked people to follow evacuation instructions while applauding first responders' handling of the strong storm.

“With unprecedented rain, came unprecedented preparation – and now, comes unprecedented response,” Bass said. “All through the night, firefighters, police officers, street repair crews, traffic engineers, parks and rec staff and the entire city family have worked to address this storm.”

“I do have to say that we have had to rescue individuals in certain neighborhoods because they did not follow the evacuation orders. We ask that when notified that you need to evacuate, please do that so you do not end up needing to be rescued," she added.