Evacuation advisories were lifted Sunday for most Long Beach Peninsula residents, including those on Naples Island and Treasure Island, although mandatory evacuation orders remained in effect for some waterfront homes as crews continued repairing damage from powerful waves associated with Post-Tropical Storm Rachel.
The city announced at 6:15 p.m. Sunday that the broader advisories had been lifted, but evacuation orders remained in effect for homes in the 6400 and 6500 blocks of Seaside Walk.
Evacuation warnings remained in effect for Peninsula residents on 64th, 65th and 66th places south of Ocean Boulevard, as well as homes in the 6200, 6300, 6600 and 6700 blocks of Seaside Walk.
The National Weather Service downgraded its Coastal Flood Warning to an Advisory, with minor to moderate coastal flooding still possible near times of high tide, according to the city.
Mayor Rex Richardson announced Saturday evening that eight buildings containing 13 residences had been red-tagged and another building was yellow- tagged after waves pounded the waterfront beginning Friday. No additional buildings had been tagged as of Sunday evening, officials said.
A red tag indicates that a structure is unsafe to occupy, while a yellow tag restricts occupancy until the building is deemed structurally safe.
Significant wave activity overtopped the bulkhead, sending water into homes and streets. City crews continued using portable pumps to reduce water intrusion while conducting emergency repairs along Seaside Walk.
The city reported significant damage to the bulkhead between 64th and 66th places. On Saturday, crews used a crane to position 30 heavy-duty sandbags, each weighing 3,000 pounds, to reinforce the bulkhead at 64th Place.
Officials said approximately 17,000 sandbags had been provided during the latest storm and about 24,000 across three recent storms.
City crews also planned to bring between 50,000 and 100,000 cubic yards of sand to reinforce the Peninsula between 62nd and 70th places next week.
The Peninsula remained closed to nonresidents, with street closures beginning at 62nd Place.
At approximately 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Long Beach lifeguards spotted a kite surfer in distress off the coast near the 6500 block of Seaside Walk. A rescue boat assisted the individual and transported the person back to shore, according to the city.
Organizers of the Long Beach Marathon said the race would go ahead Sunday despite the storm impacts, although approximately 1 1/2 miles of the course had been changed because of conditions on the Peninsula.
Officials urged residents to remain prepared for additional flooding, avoid damaged coastal infrastructure and follow directions from emergency personnel.
Residents can monitor evacuation information and emergency updates at https://longbeach.gov/emergency/ and register for emergency alerts at https://www.longbeach.gov/alertlb/.
The city’s coastal flooding preparedness notice is available at https://longbeach.gov/press-releases/city-of-long-beach-urges-caution-as- coastal-flood-and-high-surf-warnings-take-effect/.