23 October 6, 2026
Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of Long Beach
California
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation to continue the local emergency proclaimed in response to impacts from Hurricane Marie and the imminent and proximate threat to the safety of persons and property within the City of Long Beach (City) associated with the developing 2026-2027 El Niño event and winter storm season, pursuant to Section 2.69.060 of the Long Beach Municipal Code. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On September 21, 2026, the City Manager, acting in their capacity as the Director of Emergency Services, proclaimed the existence of a local emergency in response to impacts sustained along the Peninsula from Hurricane Marie and the ongoing threat associated with a developing El Niño event in the Pacific Ocean, which could contribute to an exceptionally wet and stormy winter season. On September 22, 2026, the City Council ratified the Proclamation of Local Emergency.
The proclamation and City Council-adopted resolution are attached.
Immediate Outlook
As of September 28, 2026, the City continued to prepare for and respond to adverse coastal conditions, including high surf, strong rip currents, and elevated tides associated with Hurricanes Odalys and Polo. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), these conditions were expected to affect south-facing beaches, including Long Beach, and could result in significant beach erosion, seawater inundation of low-lying beach walkways, parking lots, and roadways, and localized damage to vulnerable and exposed areas.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) was also tracking Tropical Storm Rachel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Forecast guidance at the time indicated that the storm could contribute to additional swell and coastal impacts in the region beginning in early October. Continued monitoring of tropical weather systems and their potential impacts on the Southern California coastline remains necessary.
The City continues to prepare for and respond to an unusually active Pacific storm season while also preparing for the potential impacts associated with the developing El Niño event and the 2026-2027 winter storm season. Given the ongoing coastal impacts, continued storm activity, and potential for additional significant weather events, conditions continue to warrant the continuation of the local emergency.
Disaster Preparedness and Emergency
Communications
2990 Redondo Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90806
(562) 570-9250
Honorable Mayor and City Council
October 6, 2026
Progress During the Local Emergency
Since the Proclamation of Local Emergency, the City has maintained regular coordination with pertinent City departments and external partners to monitor weather conditions, address immediate operational concerns, and support longer-term preparedness and mitigation efforts associated with the active Pacific storm season and developing El Niño event.
In response to immediate concerns associated with Hurricanes Odalys and Polo, the Department of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications (DPEC) convened Storm Coordination Calls with key City departments and the National Weather Service to prepare for potential impacts to the City's coastal areas. Weather forecasts, situational information, and operational updates were regularly shared with key stakeholders to maintain situational awareness and a common operating picture. These coordination efforts have supported the development of unified strategies and the effective allocation of City resources.
As of September 28, 2026, the City's response organization was operating under Unified Command from a command post at the Claremont Lot. The City also increased public preparedness messaging, including the issuance of a Wireless Emergency Alert and Alert Long Beach notifications. In response to these preparedness efforts, community members collected more than 4,000 sandbags to help protect private property from potential water intrusion associated with coastal storm conditions.
In addition to standard preparedness activities conducted by City departments in advance of significant storm events—including cleaning storm drains, pre-positioning equipment and personnel, and fortifying beach berms—the City has implemented additional mitigation strategies in response to the heightened coastal threat. One such strategy included the placement of approximately 50 large, 3,000-pound sandbags at the base of the bulkhead on the seaward side of the Peninsula to help reduce direct wave energy against the bulkhead.
City crews also continue to make repairs to portions of the boardwalk and seawall damaged during Hurricane Marie. More information about the City’s emergency response and preparedness efforts can be found in the attached memorandum dated September 25, 2026.
The City Council is required to review the need for continuing the local emergency at least every 14 days pursuant to Long Beach Municipal Code Section 2.69.060. The local emergency must be terminated at the earliest possible date when conditions warrant termination. Based on the continued coastal impacts, ongoing recovery and mitigation activities, and the potential for additional significant storm activity during the 2026-2027 winter season, staff recommends that the City Council continue the local emergency at this time.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Eliezer Ben-Shmuel and by Acting Budget Development Officer Jaime Tamura on September 28, 2026.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 6, 2026, to comply with State law and Long Beach Municipal Code Section 2.69.060.
Honorable Mayor and City Council
October 6, 2026
FISCAL IMPACT
The total costs associated with responding to and preparing for the 2026-2027 El Niño and winter storm season are currently unknown. The impacts are currently estimated at $1 million, and the City Manager is recommending the release of $3 million in Tidelands emergency reserve and will return later for an appropriation increase. Current City costs are being covered through existing appropriations. As additional costs become known, staff will pursue available federal and State reimbursement opportunities for eligible costs incurred in connection with emergency response, recovery, and mitigation activities.
The availability of federal reimbursement for damage or mitigation activities associated with coastal erosion and wave action will depend on the applicable federal disaster assistance authorities and eligibility requirements. Staff will continue to monitor available federal and State assistance programs and pursue reimbursement opportunities for eligible costs. Additional State assistance may also become available depending on subsequent administrative or legislative action.
Continuation of the local emergency may result in staffing and financial impacts beyond the normal budgeted scope of City operations due to the unpredictable nature and potential duration of storm response and recovery activities. Any additional expenditures will be managed in accordance with applicable City procedures and brought forward for appropriate budget action, as necessary. This recommendation is consistent with existing City Council priorities.
There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION:
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully submitted,
Reginald I. Harrison
Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Communications
ATTACHMENTS: RESOLUTION NO. RES-26-0139
PROCLAMATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY
MEMORANDUM DATED SEPTEMBER 25, 2026