Full Breakdown
Hurricane Marie Generates Hazardous Surf, Rip Currents and Coastal Flooding Across Southern California
9/7/2026, 11:34:52 PM
Storm Impacts on Southern California Beaches
Offshore Hurricane Marie sent a strong southerly swell toward the Pacific coast during Labor Day weekend. South-facing beaches saw breaking waves of 6 to 10 feet, while west-facing shores experienced 4 to 7 feet. The National Weather Service warned of “potentially deadly rip currents” and issued high-surf, coastal-flood and small-craft advisories through Tuesday. Red-flag conditions prompted multiple local closures and a city-wide swimming advisory in Long Beach.
Background & Context
Marie’s core remained roughly 800 miles from Los Angeles, but its moisture and wind field generated the swell that coincided with the holiday weekend. September storms of this magnitude are uncommon for the region, heightening public concern.
Data & Statistics
- Wave heights: 6-10 ft (south- and southwestern-facing) and 4-7 ft (west-facing).
- Rainfall: Los Angeles County recorded 0.10-0.33 in; downtown Los Angeles received over 0.5 in; foothill areas up to 1 in.
- Rescues: Newport Beach lifeguards performed 177 rescues on Saturday.
- Flooding: Seal Beach parking lots and pier area were inundated; Long Beach streets saw several inches of water before draining onto Ocean Boulevard.
- Power outages: Glendale experienced temporary loss of service for over 4,000 customers.
Official Statements & Responses
- National Weather Service meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld (Oxnard) emphasized the danger of rip currents, noting “we’re getting reports from lifeguards that the surf conditions are very dangerous, specifically the rip currents.”
- Long Beach city health officer issued a three-day advisory prohibiting swimming at all city beaches and bays due to runoff-related water-quality concerns.
- Seal Beach officials closed two beachfront parking lots through Wednesday and deployed sand berms and heavy equipment to protect properties.
- Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass pledged coordination among emergency agencies to ensure readiness for further impacts.
On-the-Ground Reports
Lifeguard battalion chief Adam Yacenda (Newtport Beach) described the day’s conditions as “very strong rip currents” and warned that only experts should enter the water.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the maximum wave height for the most exposed beaches: some outlets cite “up to 10 feet,” while others reference “roughly 5 to 10 feet.” No definitive measurement has been confirmed. Forecasts also vary slightly on thunderstorm probabilities, ranging from 5 % to 15 % across the region.
Verbatim Quote
- “We’re getting reports from lifeguards that the surf conditions are very dangerous, specifically the rip currents,” — Rose Schoenfeld
What’s Next
The NWS projects Marie will weaken to a post-tropical remnant low by Wednesday but will continue generating swells for several days. High tides are expected to exceed 7 feet through early next week, maintaining a moderate risk of coastal flooding in low-lying areas such as Avalon, the Alamitos Peninsula and Malibu. Forecasts call for increased humidity, cloud cover and overnight temperatures in the 70s, followed by a heat wave with daytime highs reaching the 90s early next week.
