Long Beach and Signal Hill residents can expect heavy winds, up to three inches of rainfall and a chance of thunderstorms through Friday, as the National Weather Service has forecasted a series of storm systems moving into the area.
Those living in low-lying areas such as Alamitos Bay and along the peninsula are advised to prepare for chances of flooding, and are reminded to call 9-1-1 for emergencies. Long Beach has performed inspections and maintenance on basins in flood-prone areas to clear debris.
Protective barriers have been fortified along the oceanfront peninsula to safeguard residents and property.
Signal Hill residents can fill and take sandbags home to prevent flooding from fire station 60 at 2300 E Seventh St. Residents are limited to 20 bags per person. Sandbags are located outside of the fire station and residents must fill the bags themselves.
Long Beach residents can pick up sandbags if needed at all neighborhood fire stations:
- Lifeguard Station located at 72nd Place and Ocean Boulevard
- Fire Station 7 (2295 Elm St.)
- Fire Station 12 (1199 Artesia Blvd.)
- Fire Station 13 (2475 Adriatic Ave.)
- Fire Station 14 (5200 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.
Residents can download the City’s Severe Weather brochure, available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog for additional information on how to prepare for heavy rainfall and flooding.
Swiftwater teams have been activated and are conducting patrols along local rivers advising people experiencing homelessness of the potential for fast rising and dangerous waters.
Long Beach opened its Inclement Weather Shelter at the Multi-Service Center earlier this week, providing 60 overnight rooms for men and women experiencing homelessness during extreme weather conditions.
During periods of significant rainfall, residents are also advised to:
- Check the Recreational Water Monitoring webpage for beach advisories. After any significant rainfall (10 inches 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 areas that are subject to sudden flooding.
- Avoid driving through a flooded road or walking across a flowing stream of water.
- 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 (option 4) or on Go Long Beach.
- Report downed power lines by calling 9-1-1.
- To check the status of street sweeping in localized areas, call 562.570.2890 or follow @LBPublicWorks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for timely updates.
- Sign up for Alert Long Beach to receive free emergency notifications from the City of Long Beach.
