During Labor Day weekend, Hurricane Marie – still hundreds of miles offshore – produced dangerous surf and powerful rip currents at several Southern California beaches. The National Weather Service warned that the storm’s outer bands would continue to generate hazardous conditions for the next few days.
Life‑threatening surf and rip currents
Rose Schoenfeld, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said the storm stirred up “life‑threatening” conditions as it churned in the Pacific. South‑facing beaches reported waves as high as ten feet (about three meters). Lifeguards across the region reported numerous rescues and emphasized that the rip currents were “very strong” and posed a serious risk to swimmers and surfers.
Local health and safety advisories
Long Beach’s city health officer issued an advisory on Sunday ordering residents to avoid swimming at any city beach or bay for at least three days. The advisory cited recent rainfall – up to a quarter‑inch in some areas – that is expected to produce runoff from storm drains and rivers, creating unhealthy water conditions.
Seal Beach announced the closure of two beachfront parking lots through Wednesday morning to protect life and property during the anticipated elevated surf and coastal flooding. The Seal Beach Municipal Pier, however, remained open for pedestrians.
Rescues and red‑flag warnings
Adam Yacenda, lifeguard battalion chief for the Newport Beach fire department, reported 177 rescues on Saturday alone. “Any time you’re approaching over 100, that’s a busy day,” Yacenda said, noting that the number of rescues remains significant despite higher wave activity earlier in the summer.
Yacenda urged only experienced individuals to enter the water, stating, “We are red‑flag conditions from one end of our beach to the other.” He added that strong currents are moving both along the shoreline and out to sea, making it essential for beachgoers to stay near lifeguard stations and avoid rock jetties.
What to expect next
The National Hurricane Center warned that the dangerous beach conditions are likely to persist for another couple of days. While Marie is expected to weaken to a tropical storm by late Sunday and will not make landfall, it will continue to bring rain to parts of Los Angeles County before dissipating.
Residents are advised to monitor local weather updates, heed lifeguard instructions, and postpone any recreational water activities until conditions improve. The National Weather Service recommends swimming only in areas supervised by lifeguards and staying clear of rock jetties and other hazardous shoreline features.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
