Southern California may experience unusual tropical rainfall this weekend as Hurricane Marie, one of three active storms in the Pacific, sends moisture toward the region. Marie strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane on Wednesday evening and is expected to maintain its strength as it drifts north over the next few days.
While Marie is predicted to weaken over open water hundreds of miles from the California coast, its moisture could still impact the state. High-altitude winds may draw this tropical moisture into Southern California, southern Nevada, and the western Four Corners region, potentially bringing beneficial rain showers. Officials do not currently anticipate flooding in Southern California from this storm.
However, coastal areas could face hazardous conditions. South-facing beaches may experience high surf and dangerous rip currents.
Marie is part of a particularly active period in the tropical Pacific, with two other powerful storms also present. Hurricane Lowell has intensified into a Category 4 storm with peak winds of 140 mph and is forecast to make a sharp turn north, potentially nearing Hawaii as a major hurricane early next week. Kauai is considered the Hawaiian island most at risk, with Niʻihau also being closely monitored as the storm's track is subject to change. Hawaiian officials are urging residents to stay informed and prepare emergency supplies due to the uncertainty in long-range forecasts for Lowell.
The third storm, Hurricane Karina, a Category 3 with sustained winds near 115 mph, has also been prominent on satellite imagery. However, Karina is expected to weaken rapidly this weekend as it tracks northeast of Hawaii, remaining over the open ocean.
For Southern California, the primary concern from Marie is the potential for rainfall and coastal hazards, rather than a direct threat from the hurricane itself.