Long Beach is bracing for high surf and possible coastal flooding as swells from Hurricane Polo and Tropical Storm Odalys reach Southern California, with the National Weather Service warning of beach erosion, dangerous rip currents and seawater flooding in vulnerable areas.
A high surf advisory and coastal flood advisory are in effect from Monday morning until Tuesday evening. Waves of between 4ft and 7ft are expected along south-facing beaches, while high tides could reach about 7ft during the late mornings on Monday and Tuesday.
The hurricanes and tropical storm are forecast to remain well south of California. However, their southerly swells are expected to affect the coast through Tuesday, with Polo likely to produce the more significant waves as its swell approaches from the south-east.
The National Weather Service said the combination of large surf and unusually high tides could cause shallow flooding across low-lying walkways, roads and car parks. Significant beach erosion is also possible, while localised damage could occur to structures in the most exposed locations.
Long Beach, Avalon and Malibu are among the areas considered most at risk. Santa Barbara has also been warned of possible impacts, while harbour entrances could experience larger breaking waves.
The latest forecast suggests the event is likely to be less severe than the damage caused by Hurricane Marie earlier this month, although officials said the worst-case outcome could be similar in the most vulnerable areas.
Long Beach strengthens coastal defences
Along the Long Beach Peninsula, crews have reinforced a large sand berm designed to protect beachfront homes from incoming waves and tides.
Long Beach Fire, the Marine Safety Division and the Public Health Department have been supporting preparations. Pre-filled sandbags and additional empty bags have been made available, with sand and supplies provided at the Claremont Parking Lot on East Ocean Boulevard.
Heavy-duty white sandbags, each weighing about 3,000lb, have been placed along sections of the Peninsula considered particularly vulnerable. City teams have also repaired damaged sections of the boardwalk and seawall, cleared sand from storm drains and positioned pumps in case floodwater reaches low-lying areas.
The preparations follow a period of damage along the Peninsula earlier this month, when large waves battered the seawall and boardwalk and affected nearby homes.
Forecasters said uncertainty over the hurricanes’ tracks means surf heights could vary by about 2ft. Conditions are expected to ease from Wednesday, although coastal authorities continue to warn swimmers and surfers about strong rip currents during the advisory period.
