Hurricane Marie significantly impacted Southern California over Labor Day weekend, bringing powerful waves, thunderstorms, coastal flooding, and temporary power outages to the region. Though the storm stayed offshore, its moisture-laden system caused unusual September rainfall and generated dangerous surf along the coast.
Beaches from Malibu to Orange County experienced swells of 5 to 10 feet, leading to warnings from the National Weather Service about dangerous currents and high surf. In Newport Beach, a surfer was swept over a jetty by a powerful wave but escaped unharmed, according to local lifeguards who urged caution. The elevated surf prompted temporary beach closures in Malibu due to lightning.
Away from the coast, the storm caused damage and disruptions. In Los Feliz, Los Angeles, a large tree toppled onto two vehicles on Sunday afternoon, crushing one car and blocking a street. One person was transported to a hospital in fair condition. In Glendale, over 4,000 customers experienced temporary power outages due to the storm.
Downtown Los Angeles received over a half-inch of rain, with other parts of Los Angeles County recording between 0.10 and 0.33 inches. Coastal flooding also occurred, inundating parking areas near the Seal Beach Pier.
The National Weather Service issued coastal flood, high surf, and small craft advisories for parts of Southern California through Tuesday. While Hurricane Marie is expected to weaken into a post-tropical remnant low by Wednesday, its swells are predicted to continue affecting the coast for several days, maintaining a threat of dangerous surf and rip currents.
The region is forecast to transition from wet and cooler conditions to warmer and drier weather beginning Monday, with temperatures expected to climb above normal by midweek, particularly in inland areas.