Coastal communities across Southern California recently experienced significant damage from intense waves, fueled by Hurricane Marie, as experts issue strong warnings about a strengthening El Niño winter. The destruction, which stretched from Malibu to San Diego, offers a glimpse into potential further challenges for homeowners and local infrastructure.
In Long Beach, sections of the historic wooden boardwalk on the Peninsula were destroyed after massive swells overwhelmed protective sand berms and battered the seawall. This force also damaged several oceanfront homes, with some experiencing flooding, leading the Long Beach Fire Department to issue evacuation orders for at least 24 homes. One resident, Carmen Vaudry, 58, observed, "The whole beach is gone," noting the significant drop in sand levels in front of her property.
Orange County saw its own share of the ocean’s relentless power. In Dana Point, waves damaged several beachfront homes, tearing through walls and destroying decks. City officials red-tagged seven homes in the Capistrano Bay District, deeming them unsafe, and issued yellow-tags for two others due to safety concerns. Farther south in San Clemente, high tides compromised a section of the vulnerable coastal railway, resulting in its closure due to slope damage and erosion.
Other areas also reported impacts, including a massive sinkhole in Malibu that led to 31 home evacuations and a local emergency declaration. Waves also splashed over sections of Pacific Coast Highway near Point Mugu, and coastline parking lots in Seal Beach flooded.
University of California climate scientist Daniel Swain stated that this event is "just a preview" of what is to come, anticipating worse coastal flooding this fall and especially this winter. Jonathan Warrick, a research geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, noted, "We are seeing the effects of El Niño already," emphasizing elevated ocean temperatures contributing to higher tides and stronger waves.
Local governments are responding to the looming threat. Long Beach officials are working to reinforce remaining sand berms and seawalls, while Orange County has been rehabbing crucial pump stations to manage potential floodwaters in neighborhoods. Ventura County public works crews are identifying vulnerable coastal locations for strengthening. Additionally, officials in fire zones like Pacific Palisades and Altadena are preparing for possible mudflows, and almost all coastal communities are stockpiling sandbags.
Residents, like Peninsula resident Matt Taylor, 55, expressed concern. He remarked that he is "highly concerned" and views this as "just the beginning of the season." Taylor also criticized the city, stating it has "neglected this for decades," particularly regarding a proposed dredging project that could provide a greater barrier against waves. Long Beach officials did not respond to questions about the project or its timeline.
Even residents like Steve Hood, 70, who has lived in the Long Beach area since the 1960s, noted that while previous El Niño winters brought big waves, this recent storm caused more damage because the beach no longer provided sufficient protection. The National Weather Service continues to advise beach hazards and flooding for much of Southern California's coast, emphasizing the ongoing risk from high surf and high astronomical tides.
