City of Long Beach Preparing for Upcoming Weather Event, Encourages Residents to Take Precautions

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The National Weather System (NWS) has forecast a storm system for the Los Angeles/Long Beach region starting Wednesday, Oct. 21 through Thursday, Oct. 22. The storm is forecast to bring moderate rainfall and possible thunderstorms to Long Beach. The NWS has also issued a Beach Hazards Statement through Thursday, Oct. 22, with additional beach erosion and tidal overflows possible on south-facing beaches near times of high tide. The City of Long Beach is implementing its inclement weather action plans and will be monitoring and addressing major issues as they occur.

The City is advising residents to prepare now, commute safely and avoid flooded roadways and intersections. Residents in historically vulnerable, low-lying areas of the city, including the Peninsula and areas along Alamitos Bay, Naples Island and Belmont Shore, are advised to be vigilant and continue to prepare for potential localized flooding associated with rainfall and elevated tides. The City continues to advance its storm preparedness and coastal protection efforts, including protective measures in highly impacted beach areas. City crews have conducted inspections and performed maintenance to ensure catch basins in flood-prone areas are clear of debris, and pump stations and seawall plugs are functioning. Protective berms remain built and fortified where possible in vulnerable beach areas to safeguard residents and property.

Community members are asked to sign up for Alert Long Beach, the City's emergency notification system, and visit longbeach.gov/emergency for the latest information and updates for the developing El Niño and winter storm season. Residents can also follow the City's social media pages @LongBeachCity. Residents should call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Sandbags and Sand Distribution
The City has activated sandbag distribution sites, available now and throughout the duration of the storm. Community members can pick up empty sandbags at all Long Beach Fire Department neighborhood Fire Stations. Sand and sandbags are available at the following locations:

• Fire Station 7 (2295 Elm Ave.)
• Fire Station 12 (1199 E. Artesia Blvd.)
• Fire Station 13 (2475 Adriatic Ave.)
• Fire Station 14 (5200 E. Eliot St.)
• Claremont Lot (5400 E. Ocean Blvd.)

People can pick up a maximum of 10 bags and are advised to bring their own shovel and/or tool when collecting sand. It is recommended that those needing specific assistance with filling sandbags go to the Claremont Beach Parking Lot for additional support, available between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21 and throughout the weather event. Pre-filled sandbags will be available in limited quantities and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, residents with disabilities and access and functional needs can request pre-filled sandbags be delivered to their residence before rain begins by calling 562.570.4765 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. [LM1]

The City also recently announced two sandbag distribution events at Long Beach City College (LBCC), taking place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 at the LBCC Trades, Technology and Community Learning Campus (4901 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.) and Saturday, Nov. 7 at LBCC Liberal Arts College Lot M (4901 E. Carson St.).

It is recommended that residents keep their filled sandbags through the winter storm season as El Niño conditions are expected to bring more rainfall, with possible flooding in low-lying areas across the city. People can also watch this safety video for tips on how to properly fill sandbags.

Homelessness Outreach
Long Beach Fire Marine Safety Swift Water Rescue team members will conduct patrols along the riverbeds beginning at 6 p.m. tomorrow, Oct. 21, to advise people experiencing homelessness of the potential for fast rising and dangerous waters. Patrols will continue as conditions require.

The City will also activate its Inclement Weather Shelter, located at the Multi-Service Center (1301 W. 12th St.) for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, beginning Wednesday, Oct. 21 through the morning of Friday, Oct. 23. Homeless Services Bureau staff will conduct outreach to notify people of the shelter opportunity.

During periods of significant rainfall, residents are also advised to:

• Sign up for Alert Long Beach, the City's emergency notification system. Residents and business owners who are enrolled will receive text messages and/or voice messages to their cell number and/or email address.
• Check the Recreational Water Monitoring webpage for beach advisories. After any significant rainfall (0.10" or more), high levels of bacteria from storm drains, rivers and polluted runoff enter the ocean. People should avoid all ocean water contact for at least 72 hours after rainfall.
• Avoid driving through a flooded road or walking across a flowing stream of water. Watch this storm ready safety video for safety tips while driving in flooded areas.
• Slow down at intersections, especially if signal lights are not working, and treat them as stop signs. Be cautious while driving, especially at night.
• Take appropriate steps to be prepared by securing personal property and vehicles in areas that are prone to flooding.
• Avoid unnecessary trips. If you must travel during the storm, dress in warm, loose layers of clothing. Advise others of your destination and estimated arrival time.
• Be aware of utility workers working in or near the road.
• Stay off sand berms and stay away from City vehicles and machinery operating along the coastline.
• Keep pets inside and ensure they have shelter from the storm.
• Place refuse and recycling carts on the parkway or driveway apron.
• Report street flooding or downed trees by calling 562.570.2700.
• Report downed power lines by calling 9-1-1.
• Report a clogged storm catch-basin, downed trees and damaged traffic signals or streetlights on the Go Long Beach app or online portal. Emergency crews are on standby for urgent needs.
• To check the status of street sweeping in localized areas, call 562.570.2890 or follow @LBPublicWorks on Facebook, X and Instagram for timely updates.
• Prepare for severe weather by following tips in the City's Severe Weather brochure, available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog.
• Be prepared if you are driving in a flooded area.

Marina tenants are encouraged to take precautions ahead of the storm to secure their vessel; ensure hatches and doors are closed and locked, remove any loose gear from the exterior, ensure fenders are properly placed and adjusted, ensure vessel cover is properly placed and secured; and fasten all dock lines to account for any storm tidal surge.

Lastly, visitors of the El Dorado Nature Center are advised that trails may temporarily close during and in the days following a storm. Patrons may still visit the museum inside the Nature Center during this time. The dog park at El Dorado East Regional Park may also close temporarily during and in the days following a storm. Trails and road conditions at El Dorado East Regional Park will be assessed daily and may close in select areas. The Nature Center is regularly closed on Mondays and holidays.

For the most up to date information on these park amenities, people can call 562.570.1745 or follow the Friends of El Dorado Nature Center on Facebook and @LongBeachParks on Facebook and Instagram.

Media inquiries may be directed to Luis Valdez, Disaster Preparedness Officer, Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications, at 562.570.9251 or [email protected].

For more news, pictures, videos and announcements of what's happening in Long Beach, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and YouTube.