Long Beach city officials are taking proactive steps to protect residents from the threat of coastal flooding, high surf and rain associated with Tropical Storm Rachel. Starting Thursday at 10 a.m., four additional sandbag distribution sites opened, and a fifth location at Claremont Beach Parking Lot began serving the public on Sunday.
Distribution sites and access
The new sites will remain open through Tuesday, giving residents ample time to collect sand and sandbags. Materials are available only to Long Beach residents who present valid identification and are limited to ten bags per person. The city asks volunteers to bring their own shovels or other tools to fill the bags.
In addition to the new sites, empty sandbags are stocked at every Long Beach Fire Department neighborhood fire station, providing another convenient pickup point for those who need extra supplies.
Advice for residents
City officials encourage residents to fill sandbags now and store them for use throughout the winter storm season. “Preparing early gives families the best chance to protect their homes and property,” said a spokesperson for the Long Beach Office of Emergency Management.
Residents in low‑lying areas, especially the Alamitos Peninsula and Alamitos Bay, are urged to take precautions. The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood advisory through 2 p.m. Tuesday, warning of dangerous rip currents and potential flooding during high tides.
Forecasted conditions
Forecasters expect surf heights of three to six feet along south‑facing beaches on Thursday and Friday, with the greatest coastal flooding concerns projected for Sunday’s morning high tide. Water levels could reach about 7.5 feet at that time, posing a risk of shallow flooding, beach erosion and localized damage, particularly on the Alamitos Peninsula.
Morning and evening high tides are forecast to reach 6.5 to 7 feet through Thursday, with slightly lower tides on Friday. Additional swells from the west and southwest may extend hazardous surf and flooding conditions into early next week.
Rain outlook
Moisture tied to Rachel could bring light rain to Los Angeles County as early as Saturday morning, with a higher likelihood of rain Saturday night into Sunday morning. Rain chances persist through Monday, and a slight chance of thunderstorms remains.
The city urges all residents to monitor weather updates, keep sandbags on hand, and follow any evacuation or safety instructions from local authorities.
Community response
Local churches and neighborhood groups have already begun organizing volunteer efforts to help seniors and families without transportation reach the distribution sites. “Our community’s faith and family values drive us to look out for one another,” said a pastor from a nearby congregation who is coordinating volunteers.
By acting early and providing essential resources, Long Beach aims to safeguard homes, preserve the city’s beautiful coastline and uphold the safety of its families during this storm threat.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
