STORM UPDATES, PREPAREDNESS TIPS AND SANDBAG LOCATIONS IN MALIBU - RAIN SATURDAY NIGHT 2/17 THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING 2/21
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts rain for Malibu Saturday night, February 17 through Wednesday morning, February 21, with a total of 2-5 inches (5-8 in mountains), heaviest Sunday night into Monday. Wind gusts of 30-60 mph. High surf and coastal flooding are possible. Expect hazardous road and beach conditions. For detailed weather information, visit NWS LA/Oxnard.
---------------------------------------------------------
ROAD HAZARDS
Please be cautious on the roads and be prepared for potentially hazardous driving conditions including water, mud, rocks and debris in the roadway and low visibility, and possible power outages and traffic signal outages due downed power lines. Keep headlights on. Never approach or touch downed power lines - stay back, warn others and call 911. Under California law, always approach an intersection with a malfunctioning traffic signal as if it is an all-way stop sign - that means come to a complete stop.
City and County Public Works crews and Caltrans are monitoring PCH and canyon roads in Malibu for hazards, using bladetrucks to keep the roadways clear, checking and clearing drainage culverts and storm drains, and pre-placing equipment.
SANDBAGS
Sandbags are available at Los Angeles County Fire Stations. Call stations to find out if filled sandbags and sand are available: Station 88, Malibu Road - (310) 456-2812, Station 70, PCH & Carbon Canyon - (310) 456-2513, Station 71, PCH & Zumirez - (310) 457-2578, Station 99, PCH & Encinal Canyon Rd - (310) 457-3706, Station 72, 1832 Decker Rd - (310) 457-6186. Search for which locations in LA County have sand, sandbags and filled sandbags on the LA County Department of Public Works website.
Please do not remove sand from the beach to fill sandbags. Sand is crucial for beach habitats, and removing it from the beach is illegal in LA County. Plastic sandbags are prohibited in the City of Malibu (jute, burlap or other natural fiber bags are allowed).
BEACHES
The LA County Department of Public Health advises the public to avoid contact with ocean water near discharging rivers, creeks and storm drains within 72 hours of significant rainfall due to high levels of bacteria and pollution. Beach hazards may include rip currents, beach erosion, powerful surf, and debris in the water. Always swim near a staffed lifeguard station.
STAY aware and informed
In case of power outages, monitor weather and emergency information on local AM and FM radio using handcrank, solar, battery powered or car radios, which will function when the power is out. Sign up for weather, beach or emergency alerts via text or email from the City of Malibu at www.malibucity.org/news, scroll down to "Alert Center." PLEASE NOTE - the City will send out "Utility Advisories" for power outages, "Weather Advisories" for weather information, and "Emergency Alerts" in case of an emergency that threatens lives and properties. All current City alerts are posted on the website. All emergency information will be posted on the City website and on social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.