City of Long Beach Encourages Residents to Prepare for Winter Weather, El Niño and Hurricane Polo

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach experienced significant coastal impacts and damage to private and public property due to high surf from the recent Hurricane Marie. As the City prepares for the upcoming winter season, forecasted El Niño conditions may bring storm conditions similar to, or more severe than, those experienced over the 2026 Labor Day weekend.

While the timing and severity of individual storms cannot be predicted, residents are encouraged to take steps now to prepare their families, homes, and neighborhoods for potentially significant rain, high surf, strong winds, flooding and other severe weather conditions. The time before winter is an especially important time to prepare due to the City's vulnerability to coastal and storm-related hazards due to its coastline, beaches, waterways, marinas, low-lying areas and proximity to the Pacific Rim, the Los Angeles and San Gabriel rivers and other flood-prone channels.

In response to developing El Niño conditions and the impacts of Hurricane Marie, the City Council ratified the City Manager's Proclamation of Local Emergency on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026 to help the City expand preparedness measures and exercise emergency powers. The action will help the City respond to severe winter weather, protect residents and critical infrastructure and respond efficiently if storms cause flooding, coastal impacts, landslides or other local emergencies. Find out more here. The City has also released a report on the storm impacts, the response to Hurricane Marie and plans to address the peninsula area with funds that can only be used for coastal projects.

Preparing for Potential Impacts of Hurricane Polo
Southerly ocean swell from Hurricane Polo is forecast to impact Long Beach's coastline this weekend, bringing high-tides and potential for flooding. Residents on the Peninsula and in Belmont Shore are advised to prepare now for high tides and swell activity through Wednesday, Sept. 30, with highest risk of flooding on Monday and Tuesday. The community is urged to stay off sand berms and avoid areas where heavy equipment is operating.

Sand and sandbags are available at the Claremont Parking Lot at 5400 E. Ocean Blvd. City crews will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Friday, Sept. 25 to assist the community as needed. Sand and sandbags are not available at Lifeguard Station at 72nd Place due to City storm operations.

The beach along the Peninsula is closed for public safety. Updates will be provided as conditions evolve.

For this storm, in addition to its standard maintenance and preparedness operations, the City is testing a pilot approach to mitigate water and wave energy by temporarily reinforcing portions of the bulkhead along the Peninsula with large, heavy-duty sandbags. Crews are also continuing to reinforce vulnerable portions of the pedestrian boardwalk. K-rails at the 72nd Place Lot will remain in place to help mitigate water intrusion in that area that could lead to further impacts on the Peninsula-an effort that was successfully piloted during Hurricane Marie on Labor Day weekend.

The City encourages all community members to take the following steps before the next storm:

Sign Up for Alert Long Beach
Sign up for Alert Long Beach to receive emergency notifications and important information from the City. Residents should ensure their contact information and address are current so they can receive notifications via email, text or phone that may affect their area.

Protect Your Home and Property
Residents should take steps to reduce the potential for storm-related damage, including:

• Cleaning gutters and removing leaves and debris from drainage areas.
• Making sure water can flow away from the home and that drainage pathways are clear.
• Inspecting roofs for damaged or missing shingles, tiles or other potential leak sources.
• Securing or bringing indoors loose outdoor furniture, decorations, equipment, trash cans, and other items that could become hazardous during strong winds.
• Checking areas around the property that may be vulnerable to flooding or water intrusion.

Build an Emergency Kit and Go-Bag
Prepare an emergency kit with enough supplies to support your household for up to five days. Recommended supplies include water, nonperishable food, medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, phone chargers and other essential items. Residents should also consider preparing a go-bag with essential items in case they need to evacuate their home quickly.

Develop a Family Emergency and Communication Plan
Talk with household members about what to do if severe weather impacts the community. Identify how family members will communicate, where they will meet if separated and who they will contact during an emergency.

Gather Important Documents
Keep important documents, including identification, insurance information, medical records, financial information and property records, in a secure and easily accessible location. Residents should also consider maintaining secure digital copies of important documents.

Stay Informed About Weather Conditions
Monitor trusted news and weather sources as storms approach and throughout the duration of an event. Residents should pay close attention to weather forecasts, watches, warnings, emergency notifications, road conditions and instructions from local authorities.

Check on Neighbors
Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors who may need additional assistance preparing for or responding to severe weather. This includes older adults, people with disabilities, families with young children, and others who may require additional support.

Taking action before a storm arrives can help reduce the potential for damage and ensure households are better prepared to respond to changing conditions. The City encourages all residents to use the time before the winter season to prepare their homes, gather emergency supplies, develop a family emergency plan and stay informed.

Emergency preparedness resources are available on the City's Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications website, and the community is strongly encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through Alert Long Beach. More information can also be found here.

Prepare now. Stay informed. Look out for one another.
Media inquiries may be directed to Reginald Harrison, Director, Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications, at 562-570-9460 or [email protected].

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