Long Beach to Receive Extended Period of Rain into Holiday Weekend

A series of storms is expected bring wet weather to Long Beach and Los Angeles County today, Dec. 22, and into the holiday weekend. The National Weather Service is predicting one to two inches of rainfall along the coast, with the heaviest rainfall and potential for localized flooding likely to occur on Thursday, Dec. 23. Residents should anticipate travel and commute delays due to the storm. 

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. Debris booms along the Los Angeles River, the wetland mitigation site, Rainbow Harbor, and the debris skimmer are up and operational. Beach berms have been engineered to adequate height and width as required to protect from flooding. Swiftwater Rescue team members have been deployed and are actively conducting patrols along the riverbeds, advising persons experiencing homelessness of the potential for fast rising and dangerous waters. Teams are expected to remain active through the storm system. 

Sand:   
Sand is currently available at the Long Beach Public Works Public Service Yard, located at 1651 San Francisco Ave., at the Esther Street Gate. Both sand and sandbags are available at the following Long Beach Fire Stations:   

• Station 7, 2295 Elm St.  
• Station 12, 1199 Artesia Blvd.  
• Station 13, 2475 Adriatic Ave.  
• Station 14, 5200 Eliot St.  

Bags for sand are available at all neighborhood Fire Stations and at the Lifeguard Station located at 72nd Place. 

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 or tool when collecting sand. It is illegal to pick up sand from the beaches.  

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

• Avoid swimming in coastal waters for three days following the end of the rainstorm.   
• 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.  
• Report downed power lines by calling 9-1-1. 
• Sign up for Alert Long Beach to receive free emergency notifications from the City of Long Beach.  

For information on how residents can prepare for severe weather, please download the Preparing for Emergencies: Severe Weather brochure.