PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – There is currently a significant weather system impacting the local coast, bringing with it significant winds and precipitation to the area. The City of Long Beach advises residents, especially those in low-lying areas prone to flooding, of the following safety tips for severe weather.

Disaster Preparedness
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.

Residents should anticipate travel and commute delays due to the storm and should take extra precaution during their commute.

Sandbags and Sand Distribution: 
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. It is illegal to pick up sand from the beaches. 

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Clinics Modified Schedules
Due to the current weather conditions, the City-run COVID-19 vaccination and testing clinics at CSULB (Long Beach State) and the Long Beach Civic Center testing clinic will temporarily pause operations and not open today, Monday, March 28. Normal operations are expected to resume tomorrow. Those with appointments will be contacted via email for rescheduling.

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 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.

Additional information about how residents can prepare for severe weather is available in the Preparing for Emergencies: Severe Weather brochure.

Media inquiries can be directed to Jennifer Rice Epstein, Public Affairs Officer, Department of Health and Human Services, at 562.441.3590 or Jennifer.RiceEpstein@longbeach.gov.

Media inquiries regarding disaster preparedness can be directed to Reginald Harrison, Director of the Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications, at 562.570.9460 or Reginald.Harrison@longbeach.gov.