PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – The National Weather Service has forecasted two storm systems for the Los Angeles/Long Beach region starting late Wednesday, Jan. 31, into Thursday, Feb. 1. The second storm system is predicted for Sunday, Feb. 4 into Tuesday, Feb. 6. These storms are expected to bring intermittent periods of heavy rain and wind. 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 to prepare now, commute safely and avoid flooded roadways and intersections. The City is advising residents in historically 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. Protective berms remain built and fortified in vulnerable beach areas to safeguard residents and property. Residents should call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Sandbags and Sand Distribution
Long Beach residents can pick up empty sandbags at all Long Beach Fire Department 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.). Note: Station 14 is temporarily closed for construction. However, sand and sandbags are located off East Paoli Way and East 3rd Street.

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 needing specific assistance with filling sandbags go to the Lifeguard Station at 72nd Place for additional support, available between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. People can also watch this safety video for tips on how to properly fill sandbags.

Disaster Preparedness
In anticipation of these storms, 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.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Long Beach to receive free emergency notifications from the City, and download the City’s Severe Weather brochure, available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog, to learn more about how to prepare for heavy rainfall and flooding. People are also encouraged to watch this storm ready safety video for safety tips while driving in flooded areas.

Homelessness Outreach
Based on forecasted rainfall, Long Beach Fire Swiftwater Rescue team members plan to deploy Wednesday evening in anticipation of the first storm to conduct patrols along the riverbeds to advise people experiencing homelessness of the potential for fast rising and dangerous waters.  

If you are experiencing homelessness, or know someone who is, and want more information about available sheltering options, the City is providing regular updates at this time 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:

• 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 clogged storm catch-basin by calling 562.570.2700 (option 3) or on the Go Long Beach website.
• Report downed trees by calling 562.570.2700 (option 4) or on the Go Long Beach website.
• 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.

Lastly, visitors of the El Dorado Nature Center are advised that trails will be temporarily closed during and in the days following this storm series. 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.

Media inquiries may be directed to Reginald Harrison, Director, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications, at 562.570.9460 or Reginald.Harrison@longbeach.gov, or Captain Jake Heflin, Public Information Officer, Long Beach Fire Department, at 949.500.1224 or LBFDPIO@longbeach.gov.