PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – The National Weather Service has forecasted that a series of storm systems will move into the Los Angeles/Long Beach area Wednesday, Dec. 20, through Friday, Dec. 22. The storms are predicted to bring the first significant rain of the winter season with up to 3 inches of rainfall and a chance of thunderstorms and high winds. The City of Long Beach is implementing its inclement weather action plans and will be monitoring and addressing major issues as they occur.  

The City is advising residents in vulnerable, low-lying areas of the city, including along the peninsula and Alamitos Bay, to be vigilant and prepare for potential localized flooding, as is customary during these weather systems. Residents should call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

In anticipation of these rains, City crews have conducted inspections and performed maintenance to ensure catch basins in flood-prone areas are clear of debris, and pump stations and seawall plugs are functioning. 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. Protective berms have been fortified along the oceanfront peninsula to safeguard residents and property.

Long Beach residents can pick up empty sandbags at all neighborhood Fire Stations. Sand and 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 (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.

The City has activated its Inclement Weather Shelter, located at the Multi-Service Center (1301 W. 12th St.), which serves as an overnight emergency shelter site during extreme weather conditions to provide temporary low-barrier, safe and supportive emergency shelter so that individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness can escape severe cold and wet weather conditions.

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.

During periods of significant rainfall, residents are also advised to:

• 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.
• 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.

Media inquiries can be directed to Reginald Harrison, Director of the Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications, at 562.570.9460 or Reginald.Harrison@longbeach.gov.