Storm Flooding, Street Takeover Fallout and Mayoral Debate Lead Long Beach Headlines
Long Beach, CA – March 17, 2026 – Severe flooding, a fiery street takeover and heated mayoral rhetoric dominate local headlines this week.
Long Beach is waking up to a week shaped by wild weather, public safety concerns and political crosscurrents.
Storm Slams City Streets
Heavy rain triggered severe flooding across parts of Long Beach late Monday into early Tuesday, overwhelming intersections and stranding vehicles. In some neighborhoods, water pooled high enough to make streets temporarily impassable.
One viral moment showed a man surfing down a flooded roadway, underscoring just how intense conditions became. City crews worked overnight to clear storm drains and respond to calls for service as more rain moved through the region.
Street Takeover Ends in Flames
Police are also investigating a street takeover that left one vehicle engulfed in flames and two people injured in a separate crash nearby. Video circulating online shows a chaotic scene, with crowds surrounding spinning cars before at least one vehicle caught fire.
Officers responded to disperse the gathering and are reviewing footage to identify those involved. The incident adds to ongoing concerns about illegal street events and their risks to bystanders and drivers.
Mayoral Candidate Draws Attention
In the political arena, mayoral candidate Rogelio Martinez made headlines after rallying local gang leaders in a call to end federal law enforcement presence in Long Beach. The move sparked debate across the city, with critics questioning the approach and supporters arguing it reflects frustration over federal policies.
The remarks come as campaign season intensifies, setting up what could be a sharply contested local race.
From flooded streets to fiery intersections and heated campaign rhetoric, it has been an eventful stretch for Long Beach. City officials continue urging residents to report storm damage and avoid dangerous gatherings as crews assess cleanup needs and public safety agencies monitor conditions.
Sources
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