Crews in Long Beach took advantage of the low tide to shore up vulnerable areas before potentially record-breaking high tides could batter the already-disrupted coastline.
The Long Beach Fire Department said it saw tides reach just over 8 feet, although experts expected them to be 6 feet. Ahead of even more high surf, emergency personnel built massive sand berms in an effort to protect homes along the coast.
Despite crews’ efforts, floodwaters spilled onto neighborhood streets near 54th Place and Bayshore Beach near the peninsula.
“The sand berms, they’re doing only what they can do,” said Austin Ocampo, who lives in the community. “But once that tide starts getting pretty high, homes are going to be at risk for full flooding.”
Although the sand berms have been placed in strategic areas to protect neighborhoods, a gap where they end near 66th Place is exposed.
“They are building berms every day, but that one spot is vulnerable,” said Mary Riddick, who also lives in the area.
The city has been working around the clock to protect the coastline, but the repeated flooding and uncertainty are taking a toll on neighbors.
“The guy who lives below me, he’s, I think, he’s 87, and he’s moving on Thursday,” Ocampo said. “He has been there 20 years. It’s pretty rough.”
More high tide is expected Tuesday morning. The city is urging residents to stay away from damaged areas and avoid driving through flooded streets.
