California Home Crumbles into Ocean Amidst Powerful Storms
Monster waves and high tides batter Long Beach Peninsula, causing significant coastal erosion and damaging several beachfront properties.
A beachfront home in Long Beach, California, has begun to crumble into the ocean as powerful waves, amplified by Hurricane Rachel, have eroded nearly 30 feet of the boardwalk.
The destructive surf slammed into the Long Beach Peninsula boardwalk on Friday morning, putting homes valued between $1 million and $7 million at risk.
Footage captured from a helicopter revealed towering swells crashing against a home in the 6500 block of Seaside Walk, with waves reaching the second-story windows. Sections of the building and debris from the boardwalk were seen drifting into the ocean. Floodwaters inundated nearby side streets and patios, with some properties experiencing water intrusion.
Rich Prickett of KTLA News described the scene as the most significant damage he had witnessed in recent weeks, noting the progressive shredding of the boardwalk and the increasing impact on homes.
City inspectors attributed the damage to powerful surf and high tides that eroded the shoreline, breaching a wooden wall that had served as the primary defense against the waves. Officials also stated that waves from Hurricane Marie had stripped away protective sand from a section of the bulkhead, leading to severe damage.
Two homes were red-tagged, signifying they were unsafe to enter. According to city spokesperson Craig Nakano, no residents were displaced, as one red-tagged property was under construction and the other was vacant. A third property received a yellow tag, allowing limited access for retrieving belongings, though its resident had already found alternative housing.
Inspections are ongoing, with twice-daily assessments planned. Officials are monitoring the situation closely, especially in anticipation of another round of severe weather.
Long Beach Fire Department spokesperson Melanie Miller indicated that crews were evaluating water intrusion and damage to determine the next steps. Residents are preparing for a potential storm surge of approximately seven feet on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
Meteorologist Henry DiCarlo warned that Sunday night into Monday could see even stronger waves due to a combination of swells from Hurricane Rachel, high tide, and a Kelvin wave. An additional factor will be an area of low pressure tracking from northern California, which is expected to increase wind speeds.