Southern California Beaches Face 2 Hurricane Swells as High Tides Raise Erosion Risk
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Sep 24
Southern California Beaches Face 2 Hurricane Swells as High Tides Raise Erosion Risk
3 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Sep 24
Summary
Sunday through Tuesday could bring another round of dangerous surf to Southern California beaches as swells from Hurricanes Polo and Odalys arrive, with the biggest impacts expected Monday and Tuesday.
Astronomical high tides are amplifying the threat: forecasters said even a modest surf increase could worsen coastal flooding and erosion, though the storms’ track may limit how large the waves get.
Humidity is also expected to rise 10% to 15%, with more cloud cover and cooler temperatures; the chance of showers remains below 10% unless one storm moves farther up the coast.
Recent surf already blasted through a Long Beach seawall, damaged Dana Point homes and worsened Malibu erosion, prompting cities including Long Beach, Newport Beach and Dana Point to reinforce berms, seawalls and revetments.
The latest threat lands as California braces for El Niño-driven winter storms; Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency and coastal cities are accelerating sand and flood defenses.