PRESS RELEASE

UPDATED 8/20/23 at 9:30 a.m.: The below was updated to show the sandbag distribution operations for Sunday, Aug. 20. For the latest information on sandbag distribution and other City of Long Beach storm response efforts, visit longbeach.gov/lbrain. 

Long Beach, CA – City of Long Beach officials are preparing for a significant weather system resulting from Hurricane Hilary, currently located off the coast of Mexico. This weather event is expected to bring significant rain and wind throughout Long Beach with increased swells specifically noted along the oceanfront. High winds and intermittent periods of heavy precipitation are also anticipated citywide. The storm system is expected to arrive early Sunday morning, Aug. 20, and into Monday, Aug. 21.

The City is advising residents along the oceanfront peninsula to prepare for high tides, and encourages oceanfront residents to prepare ahead of time, especially if they’ve experienced any inundation during past storms. Beachgoers are urged to visit interior beaches within Alamitos Bay to avoid the high swells. If significant rain does occur, the City Health Officer may issue a Rain Advisory, advising residents to avoid recreational swimming areas such as beaches and bays as after any significant rainfall, unhealthy conditions may result from increased runoff from storm drain outlets and rivers, which eventually reach the City’s beaches.

Residents anywhere in the city living in historically vulnerable areas that are prone to flooding should take this opportunity to prepare now. Low-lying areas and places susceptible to water intrusion should be sealed or protected by sandbags.

Effective Sunday, Aug. 20, sand and sandbags are available at the following locations, while supplies last:

• Fire Station 7 (2295 Elm Ave.)
• Fire Station 12 (1199 Artesia Blvd.)
• Fire Station 13 (2475 Adriatic Ave.)
• Fire Station 14 (5200 Eliot St.)
• Lifeguard Station at 72nd Place and Ocean Blvd.
• 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. It is recommended that those individuals needing specific assistance with filling sandbags respond to the Lifeguard Station at 72nd Place for additional support. People can also watch this safety video for tips on how to properly fill sandbags. It is illegal to pick up sand from the beaches.

Disaster Preparedness
Protective berms have been built and fortified in vulnerable beach areas to safeguard residents and property. Long Beach Fire Swiftwater Rescue team members are on standby in the event of deployment to conduct patrols along the riverbeds to advise people experiencing homelessness of the potential for fast rising and dangerous waters.

Homeless Outreach
Homeless Services outreach workers from the Long Beach Health Department will conduct outreach along the riverbeds to engage and educate people about safety concerns and identify safer places where they could sleep. For those interested in shelter, the team will work to connect as many people as possible to local sheltering options.

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.

People are encouraged to watch this storm ready safety video for safety tips while driving in flooded areas.

Residents are encouraged to follow the City’s social pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and the Fire Department on Facebook at @LongBeachFD, Twitter (@LBFD) and Instagram (@LongBeachFire) and the hashtag #LBRain for updates.

Media inquiries may be directed to Jake Heflin, Fire Captain/Public Information Officer, Long Beach Fire Department, at 562.760.6950 or Jacob.Heflin@longbeach.gov.