By Daily Press staff
THE COASTLINE — Authorities are warning residents who live in coastal areas that they might have to evacuate in the next week due to high surf and flooding.
Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton issued an advisory on Thursday to people in the communities of Venice and Playa del Rey that possible flooding may occur through the end of the year.
The coastline communities are currently experiencing a series of large swells, which has produced large surf ranging from 15 to 25 feet, with larger sets. The swells are being created by a storm hundreds of miles away in the Pacific Ocean.
It is anticipated that the biggest surf will occur between Dec. 27- 31, during high tide, between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m., authorities said.
“Although our entire coastline is at risk, the area of Pacific Avenue to the East, Westminster Avenue to the North, and the Marina del Rey Main Channel to the South are most susceptible to moderate to severe flooding,” Bratton warned. “This could result The LAPD’s Pacific Division is currently reviewing its evacuation and traffic plan, which will be used should substantial flooding occur. Additionally, the American Red Cross is working on shelter in the need for residents and businesses in this area to evacuate voluntarily.” should the need arise and sandbags are available at no cost at local fire stations.
“While I do not want to cause panic, I do want to remind everyone to remain alert should flooding occur and evacuation become necessary,” Bratton wrote in a memo to law enforcement agencies.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 23, 2005. Read the original PDF.