PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – In response to the severe weather system expected to affect Long Beach today, Sunday, Aug. 20, and Monday, Aug. 21, as a result of Tropical Storm (formerly Hurricane) Hilary, the City of Long Beach advises residents to report storm-related issues by calling the Department of Public Works maintenance hotline at 562.570.2700 (option 3 for clogged storm drains and option 4 for downed trees) or by submitting a request on Go Long Beach by selecting “Street Repair.”

Over the last few days, the Public Works Department has assessed low-lying areas for potential flooding, cleared storm drains, and inspected the 23 City-operated pump stations. The department has on-call staff ready to mobilize for various storm response efforts and is issuing the below safety tips and storm readiness information for residents.

Flooded Streets

• Localized flooding is expected to occur. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place.
• Avoid unnecessary trips and areas that have previously been inundated in past storms. If travel during the storm is necessary, people should dress in warm, loose layers of clothing and advise others of their destination and estimated arrival time.

Pump Stations

• Pump stations are operational and will be monitored. In the event of failures at pump stations, the City will employ emergency crews to respond expeditiously.

Refuse and Recycling

• Residents with a City-serviced refuse and recycling account with regular service on Mondays are encouraged to place their bins out on Monday by 7 a.m. – not the night before. For any missed collections, the City will revisit the Monday route later in the week.

Sand and Sandbag Distribution

• There is currently high demand for sandbags. Sandbags currently available at the following locations, while supplies lasts:
  • Station 7 (2295 Elm Ave.)
  • Station 12 (1199 Artesia Blvd.)
  • Station 13 (2475 Adriatic Ave.)
  • Station 14 (5200 Eliot St.)
  • Lifeguard Station at 72nd Place and Ocean Boulevard
  • Claremont Beach Lot (5400 E Ocean Blvd.)

Storm Drain/Catch Basin

• To report a clogged storm catch-basin, please call 562.570.2700 and select option 3, or submit a request on Go Long Beach by choosing “Street Repair” for an expedited fulfilment of the request.

Street Sweeping

• 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.

Traffic Signals

• If traffic signals or streetlights are malfunctioning, please call 562.570.2700 and select option 5. Emergency crews are on standby for urgent needs.

Trees and Downed Trees

• Please call 562.570.2700, option 4, to report a tree or downed tree. If there is any risk to life or public safety, please dial 9-1-1.

More information about the City’s emergency response efforts for Tropical Storm Hilary are available here.

Long Beach residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Long Beach to receive emergency notifications from the City and to follow the City on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) and follow #LBRain on social media for updates. If residents need additional information regarding Tropical Storm Hilary as it relates to Long Beach, they can call 562.570.INFO (4636), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (times may be extended as needed).

Media inquiries may be directed to Joy Contreras, Community Relations Officer, Department of Public Works, 562.570.6739, and Joy.Contreras@longbeach.gov.