Emergency Order Issued In Seal Beach Due To Powerful Surf, Threat Of Erosion

SEAL BEACH, CA — Seal Beach local officials issued an emergency proclamation for Seal Beach in preparation for the upcoming El Niño season.

The proclamation supports the city's preparations for severe storms, coastal flooding, high surf, erosion and other weather-related impacts in the months ahead, officials said.

The proclamation was issued at the Seal Beach City Council meeting Sept. 22 after receiving council approval.

According to the city, the proclamation acts as a proactive preparedness measure, and residents were not asked to take any immediate action.

The proclamation acts as a proactive preparedness measure, the city said, adding that residents do not need to take immediate action. Declaring a local emergency allows the city to prepare and coordinate resources before potentially severe weather develops and provides additional flexibility if conditions change.

The proclamation follows Gov. Gavin Newsom issuing a statewide state of emergency for the developing El Niño event on Sept. 21 and Orange County proclaiming a local emergency.

Seal Beach experienced significant loss and movement of beach sand during recent high-surf conditions from Hurricane Marie. The local emergency proclamation will allow the city to focus on preparing for the broader risks associated with the upcoming El Niño season, the city said.

The proclamation allows the city to coordinate and stage personnel and equipment before severe weather occurs, strengthen coordination with Orange County, state agencies, neighboring jurisdictions and mutual-aid partners. It also allows officials to protect city facilities, infrastructure and beaches, use emergency purchasing and contracting procedures and respond more quickly to flooding, coastal erosion, infrastructure damage, road impacts, power disruptions or other emergencies that may develop.

The city added that the proclamation does not guarantee state or federal reimbursement and encouraged residents to review and complete their own emergency preparations, including: signing up for emergency alerts, checking household emergency kits and supplies (including for pets), clearing drains and gutters, preparing for possible power outages. City officials said knowing evacuation routes, communicating family emergency plans and connecting with the community to support neighbors, and those who may need assistance in an emergency, was crucial.

Residents can learn more at sealbeachpd.com/emergency-preparedness/.

City News Service contributed to this report.