Full Breakdown
Hurricane Marie Spurs Dangerous Surf and Flooding Along Southern California Coast
9/7/2026, 8:29:56 AM
Core Event: Offshore Hurricane Generates Hazardous Coastal Conditions
Hurricane Marie, a Category 2 storm with sustained winds near 100 mph, remained hundreds of miles offshore in the eastern Pacific during the Labor Day weekend. Its large southeast-to-south swell and tropical moisture produced life-threatening surf, strong rip currents, coastal flooding, and a surge in water rescues along the Southern California shoreline.
Background & Context
Forecasters tracked Marie moving west-northwest while weakening to a post-tropical remnant low. The National Hurricane Center warned that its moisture would continue to feed the region and the swell would persist for several days.
Data & Statistics
- Wave heights: Forecasts called for 5-to-8 ft waves on south-facing beaches, with occasional 10-ft breakers at Zuma Beach.
- Rescues: Newport Beach lifeguards logged 177 rescues on Saturday; officials projected more than 1,000 water rescues for the holiday weekend.
- Rainfall: Most populated areas were expected to receive a quarter-inch of rain or less, with foothill and mountain locales seeing up to an inch.
- Tides & flooding: Predicted high tides exceeding 7 ft raised the risk of moderate coastal flooding in low-lying spots such as Avalon, Long Beach’s Alamitos Peninsula, and stretches from Oxnard to Malibu.
Official Statements & Responses
- Long Beach’s city health officer ordered a three-day ban on swimming at all city beaches and bays.
- Seal Beach closed its 8th Street and 10th Street beachfront parking lots through Wednesday while keeping the municipal pier open.
- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass pledged coordination among emergency management, fire, police and public works agencies.
- The National Hurricane Center projected that Marie would become a post-tropical remnant low by mid-week.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Residents described the surf as “crazy,” noting typical waves are only 1- to 2 ft.
- Video footage captured volunteers pushing an inundated vehicle out of a flooded parking lot near the Seal Beach pier.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Wave height estimates: Some outlets forecast 5-to-8 ft surf, others cited 6-to-8 ft with sets up to 10 ft at Zuma Beach.
- Rescue counts: The 177 rescues recorded on Saturday contrast with the projection of over 1,000 rescues for the entire weekend.
- Rainfall totals: Forecasts range from a quarter-inch across most of Los Angeles County to up to an inch in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s extremely concerning — having children, you’re always on high alert,” — Melissa Sann, of Mid-Wilshire
- “We’re expecting to see these elevated wave heights in the 3- to 5-foot range, with sets up to 6- to 8-feet up in some of our standout beaches up in Zuma Beach and Malibu,” — Jake Miller, ocean lifeguard specialist
- “We’re getting reports from lifeguards that the surf conditions are very dangerous, specifically the rip currents,” — Rose Schoenfeld
What’s Next
High-surf and coastal-flood advisories remain in effect through Tuesday, with the swell expected to linger and tides staying above 7 ft into early next week. Forecasters anticipate additional light-to-moderate rain showers and a 5-15 % chance of isolated thunderstorms, especially over the mountains. Residents are urged to monitor local forecasts, avoid swimming outside lifeguard-supervised areas, and stay clear of rock jetties and low-lying coastal zones.
