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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWinter Storm UpdateNovember 2025 Storm Response DECEMBER 8TH, 2025 Forecast (Prior to Nov 15) —What Was Expected Time / Source What was expected Around Nov 12–14, 2025 (region-wide forecast) A major storm was projected to hit Southern California, brought by an “atmospheric river” —with multiple days of rain across coastal areas, Orange & Los Angeles counties. Heavy rainfall, possible flooding, mudslides/debris flows (especially in burn-scar areas), and the risk of “more than a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours.” Rainfall totals forecast for coastal/low-elevation zones 1–3 inches in many places over the storm period; some forecasts for higher totals (especially if storms clustered) in certain zones. Risk messaging from local governments Nearby cities (e.g. City of Long Beach) extended “inclement weather action plans,” anticipating moderate to heavy rain, possible thunderstorms, and continuing rainfall through Sunday (Nov 16). Hazards flagged Locals were warned of flash-flooding, possible debris flows & mudslides (especially near burn scars), flooding of streets/roads, and hazardous driving/traffic. Summary forecast expectation for Seal Beach (coastal OC/SoCal): multiple rain days likely; 1–3 inches (potentially more in heavier bursts); risk of flooding, runoff, debris flows — especially in nearby hills or burn-scar areas; pay attention to local advisories; extended inclement weather expected through at least Nov 16. Pre-Storm Mitigation & Preparedness Actions •West End Pump Station (WEPS) fully staffed for continuous monitoring and response. •Portable pumps deployed to priority flood-prone areas •Sand berm construction nearly complete; minor ponding occurred under the pier due to back pass operations, but the beach frontage remained protected with support from PD & OCFA. •Ongoing coordination with ORCC for drainage clearing; agency remains highly cooperative. •Active coordination with the National Weather Service (NWS) throughout the event. •No indications of stormwater infiltration into the wastewater system. •Sandbag stations activated at standard locations. •Public Works maintained 24-hour staffing from November 13–15 to support storm operations. Nixle alert issued with storm preparedness and safety information. City website updated with current storm conditions and response actions. City newsletter distributed with storm updates and community guidance. Digital signboards deployed at key locations to provide real-time storm messaging and traffic/flooding alerts. Staging of signs and barricades in flood- prone and high-traffic areas for rapid deployment as conditions evolved. Watch Commander issued storm directives to ensure coordinated PD response, resource allocation, and operational readiness. What Actually Happened (Mid-November Storm Outcomes) •The approaching storm did indeed bring a significant “atmospheric-river” event across Southern California, producing widespread heavy rain, flooding, and reports of rockslides/debris flows. •Record-breaking rainfall was reported in many parts of SoCal for a single day (or short span). •Flash-flood warnings, high-water issues, and closure/traffic disruptions occurred in multiple coastal and inland areas. •Coastal cities near Seal Beach, such as Huntington Beach and areas across Long Beach — which share much of the same regional weather patterns — experienced flooding, muddy runoff, and storm-related impacts as the system passed through. •Across SoCal, the heavy rain resulted in debris flows, mudslides, and property/flood impacts — especially in previously burned areas. •Pooling of water in the beach lots, College Park East, Marina/7th St, Old Town, College Park West •PD suffered power loss on 11/15 and was under generator power for approximately two hours City of Seal Beach Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (2025) Local Hazard Mitigation Plan(2025) https://sealbeachpd.com/ Alert and Warning Systems AlertOC •AlertOC is a mass notification system designed to keep Orange County residents and businesses informed of emergencies. By registering with AlertOC,time-sensitive voice messages from the City of Seal Beach may be sent to your home, mobile, or business phone. •Residents are encouraged to sign up for this important notification service at AlertOC.org NIXLE •Nixle is a Community Information Service dedicated to helping you stay connected to the information that matters most to you, depending on your physical location. You stay connected to your local police department, your children’s schools, your local community agencies and organizations, and the important information from other locations throughout the country that are relevant to you. Emergency Services Coordinator Sergeant Brian Gray BGray@SealBeachCA.gov (562) 799-4100 extension 1145