Leaders across Southern California’s coastal communities are warning the public to prepare ahead of time for indirect impacts from Hurricanes Polo and Odalys.
The storms are expected to deliver moderate coastal flooding, high surf and dangerous rip currents from swells generated by the hurricanes, according to meteorologists. In anticipation of the impacts, ready-to-fill sandbags from Southland fire departments are available for free.
Residents who wish to receive a free sandbag are encouraged to call their local fire station to make sure the supplies are still available. While sandbags are available at most fire stations, not all will offer sand. For those that do, residents are advised to bring their own shovels to fill their sandbags. Some locations also require proof of residency within the community of the pickup site.
The city says the last southern swell carved away as much as 60-70 feet of beach in some spots. Amber Frias reports for the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.
Los Angeles
A list of Los Angeles Fire Department stations can be found here.
For an interactive map to locate your nearest fire station, click here.
Los Angeles County
Long Beach residents can click here for more information on free sandbags.
Manhattan Beach residents can click here for more information on free sandbags.
El Segundo residents can click here for more information on free sandbags.
Palos Verdes Estates residents can click here for more information on free sandbags.
Malibu residents can click here for more information on free sandbags.
Orange County
The Orange County Fire Authority has a list of fire stations that have sandbags here.
Ventura County
A list of Ventura County Fire Department stations can be found here.
The Los Angeles Emergency Management Department issued an alert Friday afternoon warning that coastal flooding, erosion and high surf are expected in Los Angeles beach areas from Sunday night through Wednesday.
Moderate coastal flooding is expected, with seawater likely to inundate areas such as parking lots, beaches and walkways during high tides, according to the alert.
Officials also warned of an increased risk of drowning, saying widespread and very strong rip currents could pull swimmers and surfers out to sea.
Large breaking waves could cause injuries, wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore. Enhanced beach erosion is also expected.
The city also noted that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has advised people to avoid swimming, surfing and playing in ocean water at select county beaches because of elevated bacteria levels that exceed state health standards.
Officials urged residents to monitor National Weather Service forecasts and advisories at weather.gov/lox as conditions develop.
Emergency preparedness information is available online here.