A significant southward swell stirred up by Hurricane Marie is set to create perilous ocean conditions along Southern California’s coast throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend. Although the hurricane is hundreds of miles away from California, its effects are reverberating across local beaches and adjacent areas.
Coastal Alerts and Surf Conditions
From Saturday through Tuesday, coastal alerts are in effect. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a high surf advisory due to formidable waves and intense rip currents. Additionally, a coastal flood advisory warns of potential minor to moderate flooding, especially during evening high tides.
Forecast models predict that waves along exposed south-facing beaches could surge to heights between 5 and 8 feet, with the possibility of larger swells at notable spots like Malibu. With peak tides exceeding 7 feet expected early next week, there is heightened flood risk for susceptible coastal communities, including Avalon, Malibu, and the Alamitos Peninsula in Long Beach.
As tropical moisture begins to move into the area, a rise in humidity is also anticipated. For beach visitors, health officials are raising awareness about elevated bacteria levels at nine designated coastal sites, particularly around Santa Monica Pier, Redondo Beach Pier, and Inner Cabrillo Beach.
Timeline and Recommendations
Coastal alerts are set to remain active until Tuesday evening, with the most significant flood risks coinciding with peak high tides, particularly on Monday evening. Light rain showers are mostly projected for Sunday, tracking primarily to the south and east of Los Angeles toward San Diego.
The combination of high surf and ocean advisories will persist through Tuesday night. Local emergency management and public works agencies are keeping a close watch on shoreline conditions and possible urban runoff risks over the holiday weekend. These unsettled weather patterns may continue into early next week as tropical moisture interacts with regional atmospheric currents.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health will also maintain regular water quality testing at the identified warning locations.
For those planning to hit the beaches, it’s crucial to exercise caution. Beachgoers should remain close to lifeguard stations and avoid swimming in waters flagged for high bacteria levels. Additionally, drivers should be aware that light rainfall, after a prolonged dry spell, can lead to slick roads due to oils accumulating on surfaces. For real-time updates, the county’s beach hotline (800-525-5662) offers 24-hour access to ocean water quality advisories.
