Long Beach, Calif. — Early Monday morning, families along the city’s shoreline were busy filling sandbags and shoveling sand to protect their homes from the pounding surf generated by Tropical Storm Marie, which remains hundreds of miles offshore. Video from local news helicopters captured residents working side‑by‑side, determined to shield their beachfront properties from the surge of water crashing against the flood wall.
Storm‑driven surf and flooding concerns
The storm has produced large breaking waves of six to ten feet on south‑ and southwest‑facing beaches, with four to seven‑foot swells on west‑facing stretches. Combined with high tides expected to exceed seven feet, officials warned of a moderate risk of coastal flooding in vulnerable areas. The high surf advisory and coastal flood advisory remain in effect until 11 p.m. Tuesday for portions of Los Angeles and Orange County.
Local impacts and safety measures
Saturday’s rain brought the first measurable precipitation of the month, with Long Beach Airport recording 0.68 inches—shattering the previous record of 0.12 inches set on Sept. 6, 1971. Flooding was reported at parking lots in Seal Beach and Zuma Beach, and water began to flow into homes and streets in Long Beach. In response, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued an ocean water‑quality advisory, urging beachgoers to avoid contact with water for at least 72 hours after rainfall.
County officials also reminded inexperienced swimmers to stay out of the water because of strong rip and longshore currents. The combination of elevated tides, a south‑west swell, and the lingering storm system creates a challenging environment for anyone near the water.
What residents can do
City emergency managers recommend the following steps for homeowners and renters in the affected zones:
- Place sandbags against doors, windows, and low‑lying walls before the tide rises.
- Move valuables and electronics to higher floors.
- Secure outdoor furniture and loose items that could become projectiles.
- Stay informed through local news and the county’s emergency alert system.
Neighbors have been sharing tools and supplies, illustrating the community’s spirit of cooperation during the weather event. Local churches and civic groups have also offered assistance to seniors and families lacking the resources to sandbag on their own.
Looking ahead
Forecasters expect Marie to track northwest while staying well off the California coast, gradually weakening over the next few days. Nevertheless, the storm’s remnants will continue to generate swells and elevated tides through early next week, so residents should remain vigilant.
For the latest updates on surf conditions, flood advisories, and public‑health notices, visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website or follow the city’s official social‑media channels.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
