The storm missed California. The water did not.
Marie was downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical cyclone Sunday night and stayed well offshore. Long Beach and Seal Beach still got the punch: high tide plus a south swell that went over the berms, into streets, into garages. Neighbors on 67th Place and Ocean Boulevard ran pumps toward the sewer after sand clogged the drains. ABC7 watched garages open onto several inches of standing water.
The eight-foot berms along the shore were washed away. Boardwalk wood splintered. Lifeguards pulled people off the boards when the sets got too big. AIR7 over Seal Beach showed a channel of water between what was left of the berms and the houses. Long Beach Fire Assistant Chief Jake Heflin ordered extra portable pumps. Crews said they would start rebuilding berms Monday morning.
Pacific Coast Highway at Point Mugu took wave splash onto the roadway. Some Malibu beaches closed for lightning and flooding. Sunday also: widespread rain, dozens of crashes, downed trees, outages. A High Surf Advisory remains through 11 p.m. Tuesday. Officials: stay out of the water the rest of Labor Day.
This is the leftover we flagged Saturday and Sunday. The hurricane never needed a landfall to move furniture.
What this means for you
If you live on that peninsula, the drain is the story, not the category. If you were going to the beach today, donβt. If you drive PCH, treat spray as a reason to pick another road. Rip currents do not care that it is a holiday.
Bottom line: Marie stayed in the Pacific. The berms did not stay on the sand. Advisory through Tuesday night.
GLHR NEWS explains the news. Not investment, tax, or trading advice. Do your own work before you act.
