Manhattan Beach residents can pick up free sandbags at two city locations as Southern California prepares for Halloween weekend rain.

The Manhattan Beach Fire Department posted on X on Oct. 28 that sandbags are available at Fire Station 1, 400 15th St. The city's storm preparedness page lists a second pickup site at the Public Works Yard, 3621 Bell Ave., where residents should check in at the Administration Office before picking up bags.

Each household can take up to 10 pre-filled bags. Residents must bring proof of Manhattan Beach residency.

What the forecast shows

Showers could begin as early as Friday, Oct. 30, with a 20% chance of light rain, according to KTLA. The storm system is expected to peak Saturday evening into Sunday morning, with a 70% chance of rain, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Oxnard, told the Times the most likely rainfall total is half an inch to an inch across Los Angeles County. Impacts are expected to be minimal, with the potential for increased traffic and minor roadway flooding, Kittell said.

NWS Los Angeles said on X on Oct. 28 that chances for a wet Halloween are growing.

The last recorded rainfall on Halloween in Los Angeles occurred in 2014, according to weather service records cited by the Times.

How to prepare

The city's storm preparedness page recommends several steps before rain hits:

  • Clean rain gutters of leaves and debris
  • Trim trees that could contact your home or power lines
  • Check that sump pumps are clear and working
  • Keep flashlights and spare batteries in every room
  • Review your homeowner's insurance policy for flood coverage

Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover flood damage, according to Los Angeles County's emergency preparedness site. A separate flood insurance policy can take at least 30 days to go into effect.

Residents can sign up for emergency alerts by texting MBAlerts to 888777 or registering at alertsouthbay.com. To report a blocked storm drain, call Public Works at (310) 802-5313 during weekday business hours or (310) 219-3870 after hours and on weekends.

For general storm questions, call the Public Works Department at (310) 802-5324.