While the CSU system shifted Monday classes at its Los Angeles area campuses online, USC and UCLA remain open as the Pineapple Express storm hits Southern California. USC and UCLA’s rain statements come as Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency for Southern California Sunday evening.
USC released a statement on X Sunday stating it plans “no operational changes at this time as a result of the major rainstorm in Southern California; classes will be held as scheduled on Monday.” President Carol Folt reposted this statement to her X account Monday afternoon.
UCLA’s campus will also remain open during the storm, officials said.
As of Monday night, 10 buildings at the University Park Campus needed “extensive drying out and repairs made to walls, ceiling and flooring,” according to USC Facilities and Management. Affected buildings on the UPC include the Physical Education building, Kaprielian Hall and Taper Hall of Humanities.
USC Facilities and Management said that they received a total of 216 rain-related calls for the University Park and Health Sciences campuses. Students are urged to check the USC Emergency page for updates regarding campus operations.
Despite extreme rainfall, DPS Assistant Chief David Carlise said that “nothing major” has happened in regards to rain-related incidents around campus. Students are urged to check the USC Emergency page for updates regarding campus operations.
The current state of emergency comes as a L.A. County faces flash flood and landslide warnings. Downtown L.A. experienced 6.1 inches of rain Sunday night.
The rainstorm is fueled by an atmospheric river, a phenomenon that occurs when warm Pacific Ocean air cools once it reaches the Sierra Nevadas. The cooled air turns into water, resulting in torrential downpour over L.A. County.
Correction: This article was updated with statements from USC Facilities and Management on February 5, 2024 at 8:28 p.m.