Full Breakdown
Southern California Coast Hit by Record Storm Swells Linked to a Strengthening El Niño
9/10/2026, 5:21:23 AM
Coastal Flooding and Damage from Recent Storms
Intense surf generated by Hurricane Marie’s remnants battered the Southern California shoreline from Malibu to San Diego over the Labor Day weekend. The surge destroyed sections of the historic wooden boardwalk on the Long Beach Peninsula, ripped away protective sand berms, and flooded ocean-front homes. In Dana Point’s Capistrano Beach community, seven residences were “red-tagged” as unsafe and two received “yellow-tags,” according to city officials. The Long Beach Fire Department placed at least 24 homes under evacuation orders until the following morning. A sinkhole in the driveway of Nicolas Cage’s Malibu residence forced the evacuation of 31 nearby homes and prompted a local emergency declaration.
Background: El Niño’s Growing Influence
UC climate scientist Daniel Swain warned that the recent event is only a preview of what a strong El Niño could bring later in the season, noting that elevated ocean temperatures raise tide lines and add energy to storms. Research geologist Jonathan Warrick of the U.S. Geological Survey echoed this, observing that the effects of El Niño are already evident along the coast.
Official Responses and Community Action
Long Beach Fire spokesperson Capt. Jack Crabtree confirmed the “yellow-tag” on one home, allowing limited access while repairs are evaluated. City crews are reinforcing sand berms, repairing seawalls, and inspecting drainage systems to speed water recession. Ventura County public-works teams are surveying vulnerable sites, and Orange County is refurbishing critical pump stations. Residents across the region are stockpiling sandbags and preparing for potential mudflows in fire-prone zones such as Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
Data Summary
- Homes evacuated: >= 24 (Long Beach Fire Department) and 31 (local emergency officials).
- Safety tags in Dana Point: 7 red-tagged, 2 yellow-tagged (city officials).
- Infrastructure impacted: boardwalk sections destroyed, coastal railway in San Clemente damaged, Pacific Coast Highway near Point Mugu flooded, and a sinkhole at a Malibu residence.
- Community preparedness: sandbag stockpiles, reinforced berms, and pump-station upgrades underway.
