Full Breakdown
Hurricane Marie’s Offshore Path Triggers Rain, High Surf and Flood Risks Across Southern California
9/7/2026, 2:36:57 AM
Core Event: Offshore Hurricane Sparks Weather Impacts
Hurricane Marie, a Category 2 storm with sustained winds near 100 mph, tracked west-northwest several hundred miles off the California coast during Labor Day weekend in early September 2026. Though offshore, its tropical moisture and a strong southeast-to-south swell produced measurable rain, isolated thunderstorms, elevated surf, hazardous rip currents and localized coastal flooding.
Background & Context
Marie formed off Mexico on Tuesday and, despite model runs favoring a westward track, its circulation pulled moisture northward into Southern California. Forecasters noted the “spaghetti” model spread, with most solutions keeping the storm offshore while still delivering a significant ocean swell.
Data & Statistics
- Rainfall: NWS projected most of Los Angeles County to receive a quarter-inch of rain or less, with higher elevations in the San Gabriel foothills expecting about half an inch and isolated spots in the eastern San Gabriel Mountains up to an inch.
- Thunderstorm probability: 5 %–15 % chance for Los Angeles County on Sunday.
- Surf heights: Forecasts called for 5-8-foot breaking waves along most beaches, with local sets reaching 12 feet; south-facing beaches such as Zuma Beach were expected to see 8-10-foot breaks.
- Flood advisories: A coastal flood advisory and high-surf advisory were in effect through Tuesday night, with a specific flood advisory for west-central Los Angeles County until 1 p.m. Sunday.
Official Statements & Responses
- National Weather Service: Meteorologist David Gomberg warned that “there’s been a large surf already with reports of 10-foot waves at Zuma Beach.”
- City of Los Angeles: Mayor Karen Bass said the mayor’s office would continue coordinating with emergency agencies to ensure readiness for rescues and flood response.
- Public health: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an ocean-water-quality rain advisory for all county beaches, urging avoidance of water contact for at least 72 hours after rainfall.
- Local law enforcement: Seal Beach Police closed the 8th Street and 10th Street beach parking lots through Wednesday due to elevated surf and flooding concerns.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Seal Beach: On September 6, 2026, city workers pumped flood water away from homes near the pier and erected sand berms to protect the shoreline.
- Resident observations: Long-time Seal Beach resident Clifford Scarborough described the surf as “crazy,” noting typical 1-2-foot waves surged to 10 feet.
- Long Beach flooding: Homeowner Robert McCormick reported several inches of water overtopping his street, prompting neighbors to deploy sandbags.
What’s Next
The NWS expects additional showers Sunday, with isolated rain possible Monday, especially in mountainous areas. The high-surf advisory remains in effect through Tuesday night, and the coastal flood advisory persists until the same deadline. Forecasts call for humidity to stay elevated through the weekend, while overnight temperatures may linger in the 70s along coastal valleys. Residents are advised to monitor local forecasts, heed lifeguard warnings and avoid unnecessary exposure to surf and flood-prone areas.
