UPDATED FORECAST:

[Nat'l Weather Service text]
Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Friday Night: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

[End update]

In a Special Weather Statement, NWS says the second storm will move into L.A. County by early Friday morning (Feb. 28) and continue into Friday evening. It will be accompanied by an unstable air mass resulting in a slight chance of thunderstorms over much of the area Friday (Feb. 28) through Saturday (Mar. 1) and any thunderstorms that develop would be capable of producing brief intense rainfall and small hail.

The Nat'l Weather Service says "rainfall amounts with this [second] storm [Friday] could be very impressive. There the potential for 1.5 to 2.5 inches for coastal and valley areas..."

In a release, LB City Hall says Public Works staff "has prepared the city for winter rains by clearing 3,800 catch basins; cleaning and testing 26 pump stations as well as preparing response teams to address any storm related issues that might arise. Parks, Recreation and Marine staff has prepared the beaches and waterways for the winter storms by building berms to protect low-lying sections of the beach; installing debris booms to prevent trash from entering the marina areas; maintain storm run-off culverts on the beaches, and monitoring the lake and lagoon water levels to prevent flooding. The rainfall is forecast to coincide with high tides, and city staff will be monitoring water levels in Naples to mitigate any flooding if possible."

[Update] Regarding sand and sandbags: "Sand will be available Thurs. afternoon (Feb. 25) at Fire Stations 7, 13, 14, and the old Fire Station 12, and empty sandbags are available at all neighborhood Fire Stations, except the new Fire Station 12. Sand also remains available at the Long Beach Public Works/Public Service Yard, 1651 San Francisco Ave., at the Esther Street Gate.

In its release, the City includes the following advice:

Before a Severe Storm --

• ...Keep your car fueled and some cash on hand. If electric power is cut off, filling stations and ATM's might not be able to operate.

• Consider keeping some water proofing materials handy for emergency repairs, including sandbags, plastic sheeting, plywood or lumber, duct tape, etc.

During A Severe Storm --

• Avoid areas that are subject to sudden flooding.

• Do not try to walk across a flowing stream of water where the water is near or above your knees.

• Avoid unnecessary trips. If you must travel during the storm, dress in warm, loose layers of clothing. Advise others of your destination and estimated arrival time.

• Keep pets inside and ensure they have shelter from the storm.

• Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers. If you are driving:
  • Know this - Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles (SUV's) and pick-up trucks.

  • Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The roadbed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.

  • Do not drive around a barricade. Barricades are there for your protection. Turn around and go the other way.

  • Slow down for traffic officers at intersections with non-working signal lights. Treat all non-working traffic signal lights at intersections as stop signs. Be aware of utility workers working in or near the road.

  • Do not sightsee in flooded areas. Do not try to enter areas blocked off by local authorities.

  • If advised by local authorities to leave your home, do not delay leaving. Move to a safe area before access is cut off by floodwater. Before leaving, disconnect all electrical appliances.

After A Severe Storm --

• Follow local instructions regarding the safety of drinking water. If in doubt, boil or purify water before drinking.

• Avoid disaster areas; your presence could hamper rescue and other emergency operations, and you may be in danger.

• Do not handle live electrical equipment in wet areas. If electrical equipment or appliances have been in contact with water, have them checked before use.

• You should avoid downed power lines and broken gas lines. Report downed electrical lines immediately by calling 911. To report a broken gas lines, first move to a safe location and then call Long Beach Gas & Oil at 562.570.2140. If you hear a hissing or a roaring sound and smell an unusual odor, first move to a safe location and immediately call 911.

• You should avoid swimming in the ocean and bays during and within 72 hours of a storm. Obey all lifeguard instructions and posted signs at beaches.

And please, when it's raining, slow down on streets and freeways.