City Issues Safety Tips for Residents Due to Severe Weather Systems

The City of Long Beach is issuing a storm advisory for residents regarding the weather currently impacting the local coast, with rain expected to build throughout the afternoon and a significant storm system expected to impact the area later this evening, Jan. 4, and into tomorrow, Jan. 5, bringing with it significant ocean swell, high tidal conditions, high winds and heavy precipitation. Long Beach residents, especially those along the peninsula and in low-lying areas prone to flooding, should prepare accordingly by following these safety tips for severe weather.

Disaster Preparedness

Crews from the Departments of Parks, Recreation and Marine, Long Beach Utilities, and Public Works continue to work around the clock to build and fortify protective sand berms along the oceanfront peninsula to safeguard residents and property. Long Beach Fire Department Rescue Boats will monitor the coastline during the swell impact, patrol the harbor and marinas and respond to calls for service during the period of heaviest rain. 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 skimmers are up and operational.

A base of operations is being established by the Fire Department at the Claremont Lot (54th Place and E. Ocean Boulevard). The Long Beach Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Search and Rescue, Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and other affiliated volunteers will be stationed at this location to support and assist with additional community outreach and sandbag operations during the storm.

Homeless Outreach

Long Beach Fire 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. In conjunction, Homeless Services outreach workers from the Long Beach Health Department are conducting outreach along the riverbed and working to engage and educate people about safety concerns and identifying safer places where they could sleep. For those interested in shelter, the team will work to connect as many people as possible to the winter shelter program or other sheltering options.

Sandbags and Sand Distribution: 

Tonight, low-lying areas of the city may experience flooding during periods of heavy precipitation. Residents are encouraged to prepare with sandbags. Sandbags are available for Long Beach residents at all neighborhood Fire Stations and at the Lifeguard Station located at 72nd Place and Ocean Boulevard. 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.) 

Sand and sandbags are available only to Long Beach residents. Residents are required to bring their IDs in order to pick up a maximum of 10 bags. Residents are advised to bring their own shovel or tool when collecting sand. Assistance is available for residents who need help filling bags at 72nd Place and Ocean Boulevard. It is illegal to pick up sand from the beaches. 

COVID-19 Testing Clinics and COVID-19, Flu and Mpox Vaccine Clinics Modified Schedules

Due to forecast of rain, City-run COVID-19 testing clinics and COVID-19, flu and Mpox vaccine clinics at Long Beach City College, Pacific Coast Campus (PCC) have temporarily paused operations today, Wednesday, Jan. 4 and tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 5.The COVID-19 vaccination site at El Dorado Park West (2800 N. Studebaker Rd.) has been moved indoors, and the COVID-19 testing sites at Cabrillo High School (2100-2198 Monitor Ave.) and Ramona Park (3301 E. 65th St.) have been moved indoors.

Normal operations are expected to resume Friday, Jan. 6. Those with appointments will be contacted for rescheduling. Appointments can also be made by visiting longbeach.gov/vaxLB or longbeach.gov/covid19testing.

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

• Check the Recreational Water Monitoringwebpage 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.
• 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. 
• Prepare for severe weather by following thesetips.