Long Beach should expect heavy rainfall and strong winds now through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
Residents can expect peak rainfall and winds on Thursday afternoon, which is forecasted to last throughout the evening until Friday morning. The City has implemented its inclement weather action plans, which includes sandbags for residents and opening the Inclement Weather Shelter for homeless residents.
According to a press release from the City, residents in low-lying areas of the city, along the peninsula and Alamitos Bay should be vigilant and prepare for the potential of flooding. All residents should avoid flooded roadways and intersections. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
Residents can report street flooding or downed trees by calling 562-570-2700 and should call 9-1-1 to report downed power lines.
Sandbags
To combat flooding, residents can pick up free sandbags now through Friday. Empty sandbags are available at all Long Beach Fire Department neighborhood fire stations. Both sand and the sandbags are available at the following locations:
- 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 (off East Paoli Way and East 3rd Street)
- Claremont Beach Lot (5400 E. Ocean Blvd.)
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.
Those needing assistance with filling sandbags should go to the Lifeguard Station at 72nd Place or Claremont Beach Lot for additional support, available between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and between 8 a.m. to noon on Friday.
Beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday, there will be a limited supply of pre-filled sandbags at Fire Stations 7, 12, 13 and 14 available for residents on a first-come, first-served basis.
Long Beach released a safety video for tips on how to properly fill sandbags.
Homeless Residents
Long Beach Fire Marine Safety Swift Water Rescue team members are conducting patrols along the riverbeds to advise people experiencing homelessness of the potential for fast rising and dangerous waters, according to a public statement from the City.
The City will also activate its Inclement Weather Shelter, located at the Multi-Service Center (1301 W. 12th St.) for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, Wednesday through the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 18. Homeless Services Bureau staff will conduct outreach to notify people of the shelter opportunity.
More information about available sheltering options will be shared through the City’s text alert system related to homelessness. To sign up and start receiving information in English, text HOME to 99411; to start receiving information in Spanish, text HOGAR to 99411.
During periods of significant rainfall, residents are also advised to:
- Sign up for Alert Long Beach, the City’s emergency notification system.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stay off sand berms and stay away from City vehicles and machinery operating along the coastline.
- Place refuse and recycling carts on the parkway or driveway apron.
The trails at the El Dorado Nature Center will be temporarily closed during and in the days following this storm. Patrons may still visit the museum inside the Nature Center during this time. The dog park at El Dorado Regional Park will also close temporarily. Trails and road conditions at El Dorado Regional Park will be assessed daily and may close select areas. People can follow Friends of El Dorado Nature Center and PRM on Facebook for updates.
