ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Orange Supervisor Katrina Foley released the following statement in response to the tropical storm heavy rainfall and winds from Hurricane Hilary expected this weekend. Tropical Storm watches and warnings are in effect as of this morning, Friday, August 18, 2023. The last tropical storm hitting California dates back to 1939.
“Orange County’s Emergency Operations Center is activated, and we are taking a proactive approach ahead of the tropical storm heading our way from Hurricane Hilary,” said Supervisor Foley. “Based on the weather forecast from the National Weather Service and reports from our County staff, we anticipate strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding. We are mobilizing rescue units, hand crews, heavy equipment, sandbags, and maintenance staff to ensure the safety of our community. I urge residents and businesses to sign up for emergency alert services and take advantage of city and county resources, like sand bags, to protect their properties.”
Sandbags are available to residents at the following facilities:
Most OCFA fire stations offer empty sandbags. Residents can click here for specific fire stations across the County that offer both sandbags and sand to residents.
Costa Mesa
Starting Saturday morning, residents can pick up sandbags at the self-service station in the southeast corner of the City Hall parking lot at 77 Fair Drive. In addition, the Costa Mesa Sanitary District has a sandbag station at the Robin Hamers Yard, 174 W. Wilson Street with sand and bags provided.
Irvine
Residents can receive free sandbags at the City’s Operations Support Facility (OSF) at 6427 Oak Canyon Road and OCFA Station 36, 301 E. Yale Loop. Residents asked to bring a shovel in order to fill bags.)
Laguna Beach
Residents can receive free sandbags at the following locations:
- Filled sandbags:
- ACT V Parking Lot (Lot 16) – 1900 Laguna Canyon Road
- Aliso Beach Inland Parking Lot – 31118 Coast Highway
- Empty sandbags: Laguna Beach Fire Stations
- Station 1 – 501 Forest Ave
- Station 2 – 285 Agate Street
- Station 3 – 2900 Alta Laguna Blvd
- Station 4 – 31646 2nd Ave
Laguna Beach residents are encouraged to sign up for city emergency alerts by visiting the City of Laguna Beach website. Learn more here.
Newport Beach
Newport Beach residents can pick up sandbags at the City Corporation Yard at 592 Superior Avenue. Residents can call the Public Works, Municipal Operations Division at 949-644-3055 to confirm availability.
Orange County residents are also encouraged to:
- Sign up for Alert OC, the County’s mass notification system, to receive time-sensitive messages sent directly to cell phones.
- Monitor hillsides and bluffs in the event of a potential landslide. If you suspect a landslide, call your local city public works department.
- Stay off the roads unless it is necessary.
- Fold and store patio umbrellas, yard furniture and toys.
- Clean rain gutters, make sure your drains are free from debris, and repair roofs if damaged or missing tiles.
- Run errands prior to the rain beginning, create an emergency plan, and prepare a kit with essential items.
- Maintain your yard and secure any items that could blow around during a strong storm.
- Monitor social media, news, and weather advisories for warnings and updates.
