Over Labor Day weekend, Hurricane Marie, a storm swirling far out in the Pacific Ocean, caused some serious issues at Southern California beaches. With big waves and strong currents, conditions became dangerous for both swimmers and surfers.
According to Rose Schoenfeld, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service, Marie created “life-threatening” conditions, with some beaches experiencing waves as high as 10 feet (about 3 meters). This phenomenon not only drew beachgoers but also raised alarms among lifeguards and safety officials.
“Reports from lifeguards indicate that the surf conditions are extremely dangerous, particularly due to rip currents,” Schoenfeld mentioned. Although Hurricane Marie was predicted to weaken to a tropical storm by late Sunday, it was still expected to bring rain to parts of Los Angeles County.
In fact, some areas had already received up to a quarter inch of rain. The National Weather Service recommended that beachgoers swim only in designated areas supervised by lifeguards and avoid rock jetties to ensure their safety.
In Long Beach, city health officials took precautionary measures by advising residents to refrain from swimming at any local beaches or bays for at least three days. This advisory stemmed from concerns that heavy rainfall could lead to contaminated runoff from storm drains and rivers, potentially creating unhealthy swimming conditions.
Seal Beach, another coastal area in Orange County, announced the closure of two beachfront parking lots until Wednesday morning to protect both life and property amid the expected elevated surf and coastal flooding conditions. However, the Seal Beach Municipal Pier remained open for visitors.
Adam Yacenda, who is the lifeguard battalion chief in Newport Beach, reported that lifeguards had to perform 177 rescues on Saturday alone. This number is quite significant, especially considering the beach has dealt with higher waves this summer compared to previous years.
Yacenda emphasized that only experienced surfers should attempt to enter the water due to the strong currents and rip tides. “We have red-flag conditions from one end of our beach to the other,” he stated, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
As the storm continued to churn in the ocean, it also posed a risk for coastal flooding, affecting beaches, bike paths, roads, and some low-lying neighborhoods. The National Hurricane Center warned that these dangerous conditions were expected to persist for a couple more days.
This incident serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of safety when enjoying the beach. Always stay informed and heed the warnings from local authorities to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to the coast.
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Mayes-Osterman reported from Chicago, and Associated Press reporter Ryan J. Foley contributed. Mayes-Osterman is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
