Residents should prepare for more rainfall this week as another storm system hits the Southland Wednesday through Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
In Long Beach, the storm is expected to bring a moderate 1 to 3 inches of rain, according to Rose Schoenfeld, a meteorologist with the NWS in Los Angeles.
The rain could arrive as early as Wednesday evening around 10 p.m., with heavy showers expected to drop up to three-quarters of an inch of water.
The majority of the rain, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds up to 25 mph, is expected to arrive in the morning Thursday and will likely persist through the day — possibly extending into Thursday night — according to the NWS.
Commuters should expect roads to be affected and plan for extra travel time. There’s also a chance of minor flooding in more sensitive areas, said Schoenfeld.
Most of the widespread rainfall should wrap up by Friday morning, but there’s still a chance for showers, according to the NWS.
Sunday through Tuesday next week will see a 40% chance of “high-impact” rain after a cool and cloudy break on Saturday, Schoenfeld said.
Those looking to get out of town should also be wary of potentially windy conditions in the mountains and foothills. Travelers should check with the NWS for advisories before hitting the road, said Schoenfeld.
Parts of the city more susceptible to flooding include low-lying areas like Alamitos Bay and along the peninsula. Residents can bring their ID to pick up empty sandbags at any city fire station. A sandbagging tutorial can be found here. Sand for sandbags is available at the following locations:
- Lifeguard Station located at 72nd Place and Ocean Boulevard
- Fire Station 7 (2295 Elm St.)
- Fire Station 12 (1199 Artesia Blvd.)
- Fire Station 13 (2475 Adriatic Ave.)
- Fire Station 14 (5200 Eliot St.). Note: Station 14 is temporarily closed for construction. However, sand and sandbags are located off East Paoli Way and East 3rd Street.
During times of heavy rainfall, residents are also advised to:
- Sign up for Alert Long Beach to get free emergency notifications.
- Slow down at intersections and be cautious driving at night
- Avoid areas vulnerable to sudden flooding
- Secure personal property, vehicles and pets
- Avoid unnecessary trips, but if travel is needed, dress warm and loose and notify others of estimated arrival time.
- Avoid all ocean water contact for at least 72 hours after rainfall, due to sewage runoff. Check here for beach advisories.
- Report downed power lines at 911 and street flooding or downed trees at 562-570-2700 or here.
- Check street sweeping status by following @LBPublicWorks on social media or calling 562-570-2890
For more information on storm preparedness, click here.
Those experiencing homelessness get updates on sheltering options by texting 99411, HOME for English or HOGAR for Spanish.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with information from the city and a more recent forecast.