Southern California is bracing for significant surf and potential coastal flooding, prompting the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) to issue a reminder about its free sandbag program. As Hurricanes Polo and Odalys churn offshore, forecasters expect their southerly swells to impact the region from this weekend through next Wednesday, bringing concerns about beach erosion and elevated water levels.
According to the LAFD, free sandbags and sand are available at various locations across the city. Residents can pick up ready-to-fill sandbags year-round at all LAFD neighborhood fire stations, with a limit of 25 per household. Free sand is also offered at select locations when weather conditions warrant, though the department advises calling ahead to fire stations to confirm supplies haven't run out due to high demand.
Forecasts indicate that south-facing beaches could see surf heights reaching 4 to 7 feet from Sunday through Tuesday. Forecasters noted these heights could vary by about two feet because of uncertainties regarding the hurricanes' paths. Compounding the issue, high tides are predicted to peak on Monday and Tuesday at approximately 7 feet. This combination of high surf and high tides raises significant concerns for coastal flooding and considerable beach erosion.
The National Weather Service has identified areas of particular concern within Los Angeles County, including Avalon, Long Beach, and Malibu. Forecasters warn that south-facing beaches should prepare for shallow seawater flooding affecting low-lying walkways, parking lots, and roads. The potential for substantial beach erosion is also high, and very localized damage to structures remains a possibility in the most vulnerable coastal zones.
The LAFD emphasizes that its personnel do not fill, deliver, install, or remove sandbags. Instead, the department offers guidance on their proper use. LAFD officials suggest that correctly filled and placed sandbags are most effective for diverting moving water away from structures, rather than attempting to dam water outright. Residents can use local soil to fill the bags if sand is unavailable or scarce.
Preparing for potential flooding can be arduous, and the LAFD cautions that sandbagging and other flood-control efforts can be labor-intensive and may lead to injuries. For those with extensive or specialized flood-control requirements, the department recommends considering the services of a licensed contractor. For residents needing more than the allotted 25 sandbags or other supplies, contacting local home improvement or building supply stores is advised. The period of highest concern for these conditions is expected to continue through the middle of next week.
