City of Long Beach Activates Sandbag Distribution Sites Ahead of Impacts Related to Hurricane Rachel

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach is activating its sandbag distribution sites beginning Thursday, Oct. 8, through Tuesday Oct. 13, out of an abundance of caution due to the potential coastal impacts, including hazardous swell combined with high tides, and increasing chance of light to moderate showers starting as early as Saturday night, Oct. 10, expected from Hurricane Rachel. Long Beach officials are urging residents, especially those in historically vulnerable, low-lying areas like the Peninsula and Alamitos Bay or other areas around the city that are prone to flooding, to prepare for inclement weather now.

Empty sandbags remain available for Long Beach residents at all LBFD neighborhood Fire Stations. While the Claremont Beach Parking Lot (5400 E. Ocean Blvd.) site opened Sunday and will remain open through Tuesday, sand and sandbags are also available at the locations listed below beginning Thursday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m.:

• Fire Station 7 - 2295 Elm St.
• Fire Station 12 - 1199 E. Artesia Blvd.
• Fire Station 13 - 2475 Adriatic Ave.
• Fire Station 14 - 5200 E. Eliot St.

Sand and sandbags are available only to Long Beach residents. Residents are required to bring their IDs to pick up a maximum of 10 bags. Residents are advised to bring their own shovel and/or tool when collecting sand. People can also watch this safety video for tips on how to properly fill sandbags.

Community members who fill sandbags now are encouraged to store them and use them as needed through the winter storm season, if possible, in preparation for potentially severe El Niño conditions.

Weather Conditions
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Coastal Flood Advisory that is in effect through 11 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9. A southerly swell generated by Hurricane Rachel will build through Wednesday and peak Thursday into Friday, with potential surf of 3 to 6 feet along south-facing beaches and dangerous rip currents. Minor to moderate coastal flooding is likely during morning and evening high tides-ranging from 6.5 to 7 feet-Wednesday through Friday. Potential showers and high winds may also impact Long Beach beginning Saturday and could last through Tuesday.

The most susceptible areas include the Alamitos Peninsula where shallow flooding, beach erosion and localized damage may occur. Additional northwest-to-southwest swell into the weekend may prolong elevated surf, rip current hazards and coastal flooding, with morning high tides nearing 7 feet.

A major and long-lasting heat wave is also expected to continue through at least Thursday, bringing dangerously hot temperatures.

Media inquiries may be directed to the Office of Public Affairs and Communications at [email protected].

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