City of Long Beach Extends Inclement Weather Action Plans

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - Due to an updated National Weather Service forecast, which now calls for a more prolonged and significant weather event for the Los Angeles/Long Beach region, the City of Long Beach has extended its inclement weather action plans. The storm is now forecasted to bring moderate to significant rain and a chance for thunderstorms to Long Beach now through Sunday morning, Nov. 16. Light to moderate rainfall is also expected to continue into Monday, Nov. 17. The City of Long Beach will continue monitoring and addressing major issues as they occur.

As part of this storm system, elevated surf and winds are also expected along the coast. The City is advising residents to take precautions, commute safely and avoid flooded roadways and intersections. The City is advising residents in historically vulnerable, low-lying areas of the city, including along the peninsula and Alamitos Bay, to be vigilant and prepare for potential localized flooding, as is customary during these weather systems. Protective berms remain built and fortified in vulnerable beach areas to safeguard residents and property. Residents should call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Sandbags and Sand Distribution
The City has activated sandbag distribution sites for Long Beach residents, available now throughout the duration of the storm. Long Beach residents can pick up empty sandbags at all Long Beach Fire Department neighborhood Fire Stations. Sand and sandbags are available at the following locations:

• Lifeguard Station located at 72nd Place and Ocean Boulevard
• Fire Station 7 (2295 Elm Ave.)
• Fire Station 12 (1199 Artesia Blvd.)
• Fire Station 13 (2475 Adriatic Ave.)
• Fire Station 14 (off East Paoli Way and East 3rd Street)
• Claremont Beach Lot (5400 E. Ocean Blvd.)

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 and/or tool when collecting sand. It is recommended that those needing specific assistance with filling sandbags go to the Lifeguard Station at 72nd Place for additional support, available between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. throughout the duration of the storm. People can also watch this safety video for tips on how to properly fill sandbags.

Disaster Preparedness
In anticipation of this storm, 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.

As part of the City's Be Storm Smart campaign, community members can view storm safety educational resources, including vital information, social media posts and videos offering guidance on storm preparedness and general emergency awareness best practices, by visiting longbeach.gov/LBRain and by following the City social media pages at @LongBeachCity and #LBRain and #BeStormSmart.

Homelessness Outreach
Long Beach Fire Marine Safety Swift Water Rescue team members continue to conduct patrols along the riverbeds to advise people experiencing homelessness of the potential for fast rising and dangerous waters. Patrols will stay active through Saturday afternoon, Nov. 15, and will continue if water levels remain high or swift-water conditions persist.

The City has also extended the activation of its Inclement Weather Shelter, located at the Multi-Service Center (1301 W. 12th St.) for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, through Wednesday morning, Nov. 19. Homeless Services Bureau staff are conducting expanded outreach to notify people of the shelter opportunity.

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

• Sign up for Alert Long Beach, the City's emergency notification system. Residents and business owners who are enrolled will receive text messages and/or voice messages to their cell number and/or email address.
• 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 driving through a flooded road or walking across a flowing stream of water. Watch this storm ready safety video for safety tips while driving in flooded areas.
• 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.
• Report a clogged storm catch-basin, downed trees and damaged traffic signals or streetlights on the Go Long Beach app or online portal. Emergency crews are on standby for urgent needs.
• To check the status of street sweeping in localized areas, call 562.570.2890 or follow @LBPublicWorks on Facebook, X and Instagram for timely updates.
• Prepare for severe weather by following tips in the City's Severe Weather brochure, available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog.
• Be prepared if you are driving in a flooded area.

Lastly, visitors of the El Dorado Nature Center are advised that trails are temporarily closed during and in the days following the storm. Patrons may still visit the museum inside the Nature Center during this time. Trails and road conditions at El Dorado Regional Park will be assessed daily and may close in select areas. For the most up to date information, people can call 562.570.1745 or follow Friends of El Dorado Nature Center and PRM on Facebook.

Media inquiries may be directed to Reginald Harrison, Director, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications, at 562.570.9460 or [email protected].

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