Long Beach Issues Storm Preparedness and Safety Tips

The City of Long Beach is issuing a storm advisory for residents and visitors in anticipation of the severe winter weather expected to impact Long Beach and the surrounding areas beginning today, Thursday, Feb. 23, through Saturday, Feb. 25, including excessive precipitation, high winds and below-average temperatures. On Friday, Feb. 24, in the afternoon, there also may be some high swell activity. The City recommends people remain inside during peak periods of the storm and limit traveling as much as possible. Long Beach residents, especially those along the peninsula and in low-lying areas prone to flooding, should prepare accordingly.

Disaster Preparedness

Crews from the Departments of Parks, Recreation and Marine, Long Beach Utilities, and Public Works have built and fortified 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.

Homeless Outreach

Long Beach Fire Swiftwater Rescue team members will be deployed to conduct patrols along the riverbeds, advising people 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: 

Residents are encouraged to prepare for excessive rain with sandbags. Now through Saturday, Feb. 25, 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. 

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.

City-run COVID-19 testing and COVID-19, flu and Mpox vaccine clinics operations will not be impacted.