Tropical Storm Marie delivered hurricane-force waves over Labor Day weekend, causing significant damage to beachfront properties in Orange County, California. At least 14 homes along Beach Road in Dana Point's Capistrano Beach sustained damage, with about a dozen red-tagged and deemed uninhabitable due to the powerful surf.
Massive swells battered the coastline, damaging ocean-facing decks and other structures. Efforts to install protective boulders to shield the homes from high tides were hampered by overnight water levels that remained too high for crews to work.
Farther north, the Long Beach Peninsula also experienced severe impacts. Powerful waves overwhelmed berms, sending seawater into homes and prompting evacuations for residents in 20 houses between 63rd Place and 67th Place. Firefighters went door-to-door Monday night to order the mandatory evacuations.
Officials issued warnings for dangerous 6-to-10-foot waves and severe coastal flooding affecting Los Angeles and Orange County beaches through Tuesday night. Strong rip and longshore currents were identified as creating life-threatening conditions along south and southwestern-facing shores. Authorities urged residents not to underestimate the storm's potential, emphasizing that Southern California's typically mild weather can create a false sense of security.
Forecasters from NOAA predict a 50% to 60% chance of above-average precipitation across Southern California and southwestern Arizona from September 9 through September 15, indicating the potential for further wet weather.