Long Beach crews build sand berms as high tides batter coastline

Long Beach fire crews used a period of low tide on Monday to reinforce vulnerable sections of the coastline in the Bayshore Beach area. The work aims to protect homes from potentially record-breaking high tides that are expected to hit the peninsula.

The Long Beach Fire Department reported that recent tides reached just over eight feet. This measurement significantly exceeded the six-foot level predicted by oceanographic experts.

Despite the construction of massive sand berms in strategic locations, floodwaters spilled onto neighborhood streets near 54th Place. Residents reported that the barriers are holding but remain under pressure.

Austin Ocampo, a local resident, described the limitations of the current defenses. “The sand berms, they're doing only what they can do,” he said. “But once that tide starts getting pretty high, homes are going to be at risk for full flooding.”

A specific gap in the berm line near 66th Place remains exposed. Mary Riddick, another resident in the area, noted that crews are building berms daily but that this particular spot remains vulnerable. The city has been working around the clock to manage the coastline, but the repeated flooding is straining the neighborhood.

Ocampo said his neighbor, a man who is 87 years old and has lived in the community for 20 years, is moving out on Thursday. “It’s pretty rough,” Ocampo said. The city expects more high tide activity on Tuesday morning and urges residents to stay away from damaged areas and avoid driving through flooded streets.