Long Beach crews are fortifying shorelines with massive sand berms and plywood barriers in response to powerful surf generated by Hurricane Genevieve, which is sending large swells toward Southern California. The emergency preparations are aimed at defending against rising ocean tides and potential coastal flooding.
Video footage shows heavy equipment, including front-end loaders and dump trucks, rapidly building up sand berms along the city's coast. Waves have been observed crashing into the beach and eroding the newly constructed berms, necessitating continuous rebuilding efforts.
Marine Safety Chief Gonzalo Medina stated that the city is implementing its standard storm preparation plan but emphasized the unpredictable nature of the ocean. The primary concern is a section of beachfront homes between 62nd and 69th Place on the Peninsula, an area particularly vulnerable to flooding due to an opening near the breakwater and Alamitos Bay entrance that allows swells to pass through.
Overnight surf had previously breached a portion of the protective berm and damaged plywood barriers installed to shield nearby properties. Crews were working to rebuild approximately 40 yards of the berm on Wednesday morning.
Officials note that while this week's tides are not expected to be as severe as some earlier events this summer, concerns remain about repeated flooding from increasingly frequent high tides. Scientists have suggested that higher ocean levels and intensified tidal flooding may be linked to El Niño conditions, which can cause water levels to exceed normal forecasts.
Despite the significant surf, Long Beach's offshore breakwater and Catalina Island play a role in absorbing much of the incoming wave energy, thereby reducing the impact on the city's beaches. Nevertheless, lifeguards are cautioning beachgoers about the hazardous conditions, even when the water appears calm. Los Angeles County lifeguards reported nearly 2,000 ocean rescues during a recent heat wave. Authorities are advising swimmers to stay near staffed lifeguard stations, supervise children closely, and be aware of the ocean's power. Swimmers caught in rip currents are advised to remain calm, float, and swim parallel to the shore to escape the current's pull.