Story perspectives

Marie’s swells drive 1,000+ rescues, keep Seal Beach lots closed

9/8/2026

Summary

Marie Floods Coast

Hurricane Marie’s swells flooded parking lots and created dangerous surf along Southern California.
Seal Beach 8th and 10th Street parking lots remain closed through Wednesday.
Los Angeles County lifeguards expect over 1,000 rescues this Labor Day weekend, double the usual.
Fire Department’s Jake Miller warned waves of 3-5 feet, with 6-8-foot sets at Zuma and Malibu.
National Weather Service warned of strong rip currents, coastal flooding and beach erosion through Tuesday.

Summary

Storm Hits Glendale

The storm knocked out power for over 4,000 Glendale customers, with service largely restored by 8:30 p.m.
Temperatures are forecast to climb into the mid-90s on Wednesday and Thursday after the storm.
A tree fell onto two vehicles on Vermont Avenue in Los Feliz, injuring one person taken to hospital.
The National Weather Service warned oil-slick roads could become hazardous after the rare September rains.

History

Historical Context

The 1997 El Niño winter, marked by record-breaking Pacific storms, flooded Southern California beaches and prompted massive emergency responses across municipal agencies. The National Weather Service recorded 12 inch coastal surges, while Los Angeles County lifeguards logged 1,200 rescues, double typical figures. Like that historic deluge, Hurricane Marie’s September swells now threaten Seal Beach parking, trigger over 1,000 rescues, and knock out power for 4,000 Glendale customers. The precedent underscores California’s need for upgraded flood infrastructure and coordinated storm-ready protocols at state and federal levels to mitigate future coastal hazards.

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Marie Floods Coast

Hurricane Marie’s swells flooded parking lots and created dangerous surf along Southern California.
Seal Beach 8th and 10th Street parking lots remain closed through Wednesday.
Los Angeles County lifeguards expect over 1,000 rescues this Labor Day weekend, double the usual.
Fire Department’s Jake Miller warned waves of 3-5 feet, with 6-8-foot sets at Zuma and Malibu.
National Weather Service warned of strong rip currents, coastal flooding and beach erosion through Tuesday.

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