Long Beach fast-tracked emergency powers to shore up a damaged shoreline before Hurricane Polo’s waves and high tides arrive early next week.
Story Snapshot
- The City Council ratified an emergency declaration to speed coastal repairs and storm prep.
- Officials cited washed-away sand and boardwalk damage from Hurricane Marie as key risks.
- The order lets the city hire contractors, move staff, and seek outside help without delays.
- Forecasts warn of four- to six-foot waves with tides near seven feet in Long Beach.
City Authorizes Rapid Action Ahead of Forecast Surf and Tides
Long Beach leaders ratified City Manager Tom Modica’s emergency declaration at a special meeting. The move came as Hurricane Polo’s swell is expected to hit Monday into Tuesday. The declaration gives departments more speed and flexibility to prepare the coastline. Officials said they need to act before the next round of big surf and high tides. The order aims to reduce flood risk for homes and infrastructure near the beach by cutting red tape now.
The emergency powers allow the city to hire contractors, shift crews, buy materials, and ask other agencies for help without normal delays. Staff can stockpile sandbags, reinforce weak spots, and set up for possible evacuations if conditions worsen. Leaders stressed that the goal is readiness, not panic. They said faster decisions and spending can protect people and property when waves and tides peak early next week.
Damage From Hurricane Marie Set the Stage for Today’s Risk
Recent storms chewed up protective sand and exposed parts of the boardwalk and seawall. Reports tied the local emergency to that damage, which left the Peninsula more open to flooding and erosion. When a new swell stacks on top of high tide, water can jump berms and push into streets and yards. Officials said the city must rebuild lost sand and brace weak points before the next hit to avoid worse outcomes this season.
The city paired the declaration with a defined repair plan. Reporting described a dredging project worth about $9.27 million to place roughly 415,000 cubic yards of sand on Peninsula Beach. More sand widens the beach and raises a buffer against waves. That can slow erosion and keep water farther from homes. The emergency status helps lock in crews and equipment faster so the city is not waiting on long bids while the surf rises.
Forecast Details and How They Drive Local Decisions
Forecasters warned that Hurricane Polo’s energy could bring four- to six-foot waves to Long Beach, paired with tides near seven feet. That mix raises the chance of coastal flooding and strong rip currents. City leaders pointed to that window as the period of most concern. If waves arrive during the highest tides, water levels will be at their peak. The order keeps options open for beach closures and targeted warnings if needed.
Long Beach is racing to shore up its coastline and prepare residents for another potentially dangerous round of waves as Hurricane Polo churns in the Pacific, less than two weeks after hurricane-generated swells caused extensive damage along the Peninsula. https://t.co/luP7fQ9064
— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) September 24, 2026
Other California communities and the state made similar moves in recent days. Neighboring beach cities issued local emergencies after heavy surf and erosion. Governor Gavin Newsom also declared a broader emergency tied to storms and coastal damage this season. Long Beach’s step fits that pattern. The idea is to speed work, tap outside help, and protect public assets while the coast faces repeated hits from hurricane-driven swells and seasonal storms.
What Residents Should Watch and How to Prepare
City officials said crews will post warnings at risky spots and monitor tides. Residents in low areas should make simple plans now. People can pick up sandbags where available, clear drains, and move cars off flood-prone streets. Beachgoers should expect closures if surf and currents pick up. Leaders said there are no citywide evacuation plans at this time, but they could issue targeted orders if the forecast worsens near peak tides.
Why This Matters Beyond One Storm
Local governments often use emergency powers to match the speed of coastal hazards. Normal purchasing and contracting can take months. Storms do not wait. Faster work lets cities place sand, build berms, and fix damage before the next swell. That can save money and reduce harm. In a season with more storm-driven waves, the choice is to prepare now or pay more later. Long Beach chose to move now while the window is open.
Sources:
nypost.com, yahoo.com, foxla.com, abc7.com
