Long Beach prepares for stormy weather

Officials say heavy rain, flooding possible as Hurricane Joaquin barrels north

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The city is advising residents to be prepared for the effects of Hurricane Joaquin, even if the Category 4 storm veers east and doesn’t have a direct impact on the South Shore.

City Manager Jack Schnirman said the city has already taken steps to mitigate against the potential weather associated with the hurricane, not to mention heavy rain that was already in the forecast over the next few days that could cause power outages and flooding, with a coastal flood watch in effect through Saturday.

“We’re closely monitoring the storm and paying attention to the various different models and while it’s too soon to know what the impact will be, it’s always important to be prepared,” said Schnirman.

The city's public works crews have been constructing 10 foot-high berms in front of the boardwalk that connect with recently constructed dunes, while also inspecting and clearing storm drains throughout the city, and closing up ongoing construction areas.

In addition to the dunes that the city built from Neptune to Pacific boulevards after Hurricane Sandy, and New York to Nevada avenues, DPW crews have been building berms from Pacific to New York. Along with that, the city said that the new boardwalk’s retaining wall — with 20 feet of bulkheading material driven down under the sand — now provides greater protection against storm surges. New tide-flex valves that were installed after Sandy on a number of streets throughout the city and bulkheading on some streets in the Canals will also help mitigate some flooding, Schnirman said.

The city is also encouraging residents to tie down or bring in outdoor furnishings and decorations, and secure or bring in any outdoor construction materials. Residents can report clogged or blocked storm drains by calling the Department of Public Works at (516) 431-1011.

“Of course, we’re also coordinating with the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management, all levels of government and a variety of agencies for any eventuality,” Schnirman said. “Whether or not we see a significant storm hitting at the beginning of next week, we know that we are going to have significant rainfall …”

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