Seal Beach Readies For Flooding, Coming Rainstorm

SEAL BEACH, CA — Rain is returning this week to Orange County through Thursday, the National Weather Service has reported. Though the rainfall totals were expected to be under one-inch in measurable rain, the conversation about flood control in Seal Beach has begun.

This is the first rainfall event of the season, with rain beginning Tuesday afternoon through Thursday.

Residents who live in flood prone areas were told to monitor surf and weather conditions, taking steps to protect themselves and their property, local authorities said.

"The City of Seal Beach Marine Safety Department, Public Works Department and Police Department will be monitoring conditions throughout the winter season and will respond appropriately as issues arise," theSeal Beach Police Department stated on their website.

Prepare for flooding.

Have pre-filled sandbags available for immediate use at your home, they advised. (See full list of where to pick up and fill sandbags below).

Residents should be mindful of where the storm drains are on their streets.

"Avoid clogging gutters with trash bins or vehicles," police said. "Place trash cans on the curbs, not in gutter. Rushing water can topple trash cans and carry garbage down to block storm drain entrances. Also, don't park cars in front of the trash cans, so they are accessible for collection.

If possible, park your cars in your driveway rather than the street, to protect your engine and electronics from a flooded vehicle.

"Engine up towards garage door is safest," they said.

Remember, "turn around, don't drown."

"Wait to drive in areas with flooding until floodwaters recede," they said. "Driving on flooded streets cause wakes to form (even at fairly low speeds) and pushes water up onto parked cars and into garages."

Monitor the Seal Beach Police Department social media outlets (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) for information updates.

If you see fallen trees or tree branches, call the Seal Beach Police Department non-emergency line at (562) 594-7232.

Sandbagging Locations

The City of Seal Beach will establish several locations where complimentary sand and empty sandbags are available for residents. The sandbag locations are:

• 8th Street Beach Parking Lot
• The Naval Weapons Station, “Liberty Gate” – Seal Beach Bl. and Landing Ave.
• Fire Station 44 – 8th Street and Central Ave.
• Fire Station 48 – 3131 Northgate Road (at the 405 freeway)
• Arbor Park – 4665 Lampson Ave.
• Marina Park – First Street and Marina Avenue

Emergency Notification System

AlertOC is a mass notification system used by the City of Seal Beach and Seal Beach Police Department to issue government related messages to residents and businesses. All residential and commercial landline phone numbers are a part of the AlertOC system. AlertOC replaced the old “Reverse 911” system. Residents can register additional cell phone numbers, text numbers and e-mail addresses at AlertOC.com.