Here’s How To Prepare for Hurricane Hilary
Dear neighbor,
As you may have heard, we are expecting a significant weather system resulting from Hurricane Hilary to reach Long Beach towards the end of the weekend.
This storm could bring heavy rain, strong winds, and high waves to our city, especially along the oceanfront. The storm is expected to arrive early Sunday morning, Aug. 20, and into Monday, Aug. 21.
I want to assure you that the City of Long Beach is taking all the necessary precautions to protect our community and infrastructure from any potential impacts of this storm, including by building reinforced berms along vulnerable beach areas.
We need your cooperation and preparedness to ensure the safety of everyone in our city. Residents living in historically vulnerable areas that are prone to flooding, such as the oceanfront peninsula, should begin preparing now. Low-lying areas and places susceptible to water intrusion should be sealed or protected by sandbags.
You can pick up empty sandbags at any neighborhood Fire Station, or sandbags and sand at the following locations:
- Fire Station 7 (2295 Elm St.)
- Station 12 (1199 Artesia Blvd.)
- Station 13 (2475 Adriatic Ave.)
- Station 14 (5200 Eliot St.)
- The lifeguard station at 72nd Place and Ocean Boulevard.
Please bring your ID and your own shovel or tool to fill the bags.
If you live in other areas of the city that are prone to flooding, especially low-lying areas, take similar precautions and secure your property with sandbags if needed.
- Avoid visiting the oceanfront beaches during the storm, as they could be dangerous due to high swells and rip currents. If you want to enjoy the beach, visit interior beaches within Alamitos Bay instead.
- If significant rain occurs, avoid swimming in recreational water areas such as beaches and bays for at least 72 hours after rainfall.
- Avoid driving through flooded roads or walking across flowing streams of water. Turn around, don’t drown!
- Slow down at intersections, especially if signal lights are not working, and treat them as stop signs. Be cautious while driving in wet and windy conditions.
- Stay informed of the latest weather updates and emergency alerts by following the City of Long Beach on social media, signing up for Alert Long Beach, or visiting the City’s website.
Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones, and reach out to your neighbors who may need some help or assistance. If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the City’s Emergency Operations Center at (562) 570-9250.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Stay safe and be prepared.
Best,
Rex Richardson
Mayor of Long Beach
