9-Foot Waves Threaten Long Beach Again As Hurricane Polo Nears Coast

Just weeks after Hurricane Marie brought massive waves and flooding to the Long Beach peninsula, the community faces a new test. The recent storm caused destruction, including the loss of sand between the 62nd and 69th places and damage to the pedestrian boardwalk. Now, Hurricane Polo threatens the coastal enclave. The National Weather Service in San Diego predicts waves could reach as high as 9 feet in the ocean waters off Southern California. The agency noted that the biggest impact is expected on Monday and Tuesday.

The previous event demonstrated the vulnerability of the area to severe weather. During the flooding caused by Hurricane Marie, approximately 20 homes were evacuated. The sand was stripped away from the vulnerable stretch so thoroughly that “we can’t even get trucks down there to build out the berm,” according to statements made by Tom Modica. This physical reality drives the urgency of the current response.

The city is implementing specific measures to mitigate the impact of the incoming storm. A pilot program focuses on “mitigating water and wave energy by temporarily reinforcing portions of the bulkhead along the peninsula with large, heavy-duty sandbags.” City spokesperson Laath Martin stated that these actions are part of the city’s normal emergency preparedness, which is also necessary for the continuous impacts of a potentially historic El Niño. Crews are also reinforcing vulnerable boardwalk sections.

Practical support is being offered to residents. A sandbag distribution site at a parking lot located at 5400 E. Ocean Blvd. will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Friday and lasting through the weather event. On a procedural level, Long Beach City Manager Tom Modica declared a local emergency earlier this week. The Long Beach City Council approved this declaration on Tuesday to ensure the city can use emergency powers throughout the winter storm season.