Long Beach officials have announced measures to prevent coastal flooding, huge waves, and rainfall brought by Hurricane “Rachel.” Starting Thursday, October 8, four sandbag distribution stations have been opened, urging residents to be prepared.
According to the city news agency, officials stated that each distribution station began providing sand and sandbags on Thursday morning and will continue until next Tuesday. Authorities are urging residents living in low-lying areas, particularly those in Alamitos Peninsula and Alamitos Bay, to take preventive measures against potential flooding.
The four sandbag distribution sites are: Fire Station 7 (2295 Elm St.); Fire Station 12 (1199 E. Artesia Blvd.); Fire Station 13 (2475 Adriatic Ave.); and Fire Station 14 (5200 E. Eliot St.). Claremont Beach Parking Lot (5400 E. Ocean Blvd.) also provides sand and sandbags. This location has been open and will continue until next Tuesday.
These supplies are only available to Long Beach residents who must show identification and can receive up to 10 sandbags per person. Authorities recommend residents bring a shovel or other tools to fill the sandbags. All Long Beach Fire Department community fire stations also offer empty sandbags.
City officials suggest residents consider keeping filled sandbags for use during the winter storm season.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has extended the coastal flood warning until 2 PM on the 13th, to prevent southward surges (including those from “Rachel”) threatening vulnerable beaches. The city government stated that on Thursday and Friday, waves on south-facing beaches could reach 3 to 6 feet (0.91-1.82 meters), with dangerous rip currents and coastal flooding possible.
It is expected that tides will reach 6.5 to 7 feet (1.98-2.1 meters) on Thursday evening and slightly lower on Friday night. Meteorologists warn that the most concerning period for coastal flooding is on Sunday (the 11th), especially during high tide in the morning when water levels may reach around 7.5 feet (approximately 2.3 meters).
City officials highlighted the Alamitos Peninsula as one of the areas most susceptible to shallow flooding, beach erosion, and localized damage. Additional surges from the west and southwest could prolong dangerous waves and flooding conditions until early next week.
Meanwhile, moisture from “Rachel” could bring light rain to Los Angeles County as early as Saturday morning, with a higher likelihood of rain from Saturday night to Sunday morning. The chance of rainfall is expected to persist until Monday, with a slight chance of thunderstorms.
City officials urge residents to closely monitor the weather situation and prepare for flooding before the weekend arrives.