Long Beach is bracing for another round of powerful waves that have already battered the Long Beach Peninsula. Mayor Rex Richardson told residents that the most severe impacts could still be on the way, and the city has taken decisive steps to protect lives and property.
Evacuation orders and safety zones
On Friday, the city issued mandatory evacuation orders for the 6400 and 6500 blocks of Seaside Walk. A warning followed on Saturday for residents on 64th, 65th, and 66th places south of Ocean Boulevard, as well as the 6200, 6300, 6600, and 6700 blocks of Seaside Walk. The orders were prompted by damage from the previous high tide, which left sand covering parts of the boardwalk and nearby streets.
City crews spent Saturday reinforcing the bulkhead wall—commonly known as the seawall—to help hold back the surf. Eight structures, representing 13 addresses, were red‑tagged as unsafe to enter, and an additional building received a yellow tag, indicating limited access.
Community response and preparedness
Residents have been busy filling sandbags and securing their homes, following the city’s call to prepare for further impacts. Mayor Richardson emphasized that the storm could bring rain and high winds across the entire city, not just the beachfront. “The hurricane will bring weather impacts across our whole city,” he said.
City officials also reminded citizens to sign up for Long Beach’s emergency notification system, which can be accessed at longbeach.gov/alertlb. The system provides real‑time alerts about evacuations, road closures, and other critical information.
Impact on local events
The Long Beach Marathon, scheduled to start Sunday morning, made a precautionary adjustment to its course. Approximately 1.5 miles of the route were rerouted away from the beach just before the eighth mile, and road closures began at 5 a.m. to ensure runner safety.
Car access to the peninsula has been limited to residents only, reducing traffic congestion and allowing emergency crews to focus on critical areas.
Looking ahead
Mayor Richardson and city officials continue to monitor the situation closely. They urge anyone who has not yet signed up for alerts to do so immediately and to follow evacuation orders without delay. The city’s proactive measures aim to safeguard families, protect property, and minimize the disruption caused by the powerful surf.
Residents can stay informed through local news outlets, the city’s official website, and the emergency notification system. By working together, Long Beach hopes to navigate the storm’s challenges while keeping the community safe.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
