PRESS RELEASE

The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting the first rains of the season to pass through Long Beach beginning today and extending into Tuesday evening. The rainfall amount is predicted to be between one to two inches in coastal areas.

City crews have conducted pre-rain inspections and maintenance has occurred to ensure catch basins in known areas of flooding have been cleaned and pump stations and seawall plugs are functioning. Swiftwater teams are preparing for potential deployment and Beach Maintenance crews are taking protective measures.  

Sand

Sand is currently available at the following six locations:

• Fire Station 7, 2295 Elm Avenue.
• Fire Station 12, 1199 E. Artesia Boulevard.
• Fire Station 13, 2475 Adriatic Avenue.
• Fire Station 14, 5200 Eliot Avenue.
• Long Beach Public Works/Public Service Yard, 1651 San Francisco Ave., at the Esther Street Gate
  • Sand bags are not available at this location.
  • Public may pick up sand at any time of day.
• Parking lot at 72^nd Place and Ocean Boulevard
  • Sand bags are not available at this location.
  • Public may pick up sand at any time of day.

Empty sand bags are available at all neighborhood fire stations and at the Beach Operations building located at 2100 E. Ocean Boulevard (enter through Junipero Avenue). The Beach Operations building is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sand and/or sand bags at fire stations are available while stations are attended.

Sand and sand bags 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 advised to: 

• Avoid swimming in coastal waters for three days following the end of the rainstorm.
• Avoid areas that are subject to sudden flooding.
• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road, or walk across a flowing stream of water.
• Slow down at intersections, especially those with non-working signal lights, 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.

For information on how residents can prepare for severe weather, please click on the link below: Preparing for Emergencies: Severe Weather.

About Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications

The mission of the Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications is to protect the lives and property of the community and first responders through comprehensive planning, training and communication to ensure that daily requests for emergency services, as well as response, recovery, and mitigation for major emergencies and disasters is completed in an effective and efficient manner.

For additional information on disaster preparedness topics, please visit our website at www.longbeach.gov/DisasterPreparedness. To stay tuned to disaster preparedness news and information, follow us on Twitter @LongBeachReady or “Like” us on Facebook @LongBeachDisasterPreparedness.