SoCal faces rising flood threat as surf keeps pounding coast

SoCal faces rising flood threat as surf keeps pounding coast Long Beach and Seal Beach brace for more damage as the storm's leftover swell refuses to fade Southern California is still dealing with the fallout of a storm that technically never made landfall. Days after Hurricane Marie weakened into a tropical system far offshore, coastal communities are facing a stubborn flood threat that shows no sign of easing on its own. How the flood threat took hold along the coast Marie spent Labor Day weekend churning hundreds of miles off the Southern California coast before losing hurricane strength, but the storm's swells kept arriving long after the system itself weakened. Waves reaching up to 10 feet slammed south-facing beaches, and the National Weather Service warned of life-threatening surf and rip currents stretching across Los Angeles and Orange counties. By Tuesday, the remnants of the storm were still lingering, and high surf and flood conditions continued to affect coastal neighborhoods. Why the flood risk keeps lingering in Long Beach The Long Beach Peninsula took what officials described as a pounding over the holiday weekend, and the danger didn't end when the calendar turned. On Tuesday morning, high tides were still threatening to breach the seawall protecting nearby homes. Massive waves had already overwhelmed storm drains days earlier, sending water into streets and forcing residents to bring in pumps to clear standing pools. One resident described power shortages triggering shocks near damaged furniture and electronics, while floors were left stripped of tile after the water receded. Seal Beach and Malibu deal with damage of their own Seal Beach saw its own flood emergency as waves overwhelmed berms and inundated parking lots near the pier. City officials closed two beachfront lots through midweek to protect residents and property, even as the municipal pier stayed open. Crews worked through the night reinforcing sand berms in an effort to hold back further flooding. Farther north in Malibu, officials reported eroded coastal bluffs at Point Dume State Beach, undoing recent repair work, while lightning forced additional beach closures. What happens next for the flood-weary coast Forecasters say the high surf advisory is expected to hold through Tuesday, meaning the flood risk facing these communities has not fully passed. Lifeguards across the region have handled a steady stream of rescues as swimmers underestimated the strength of the rip currents generated by the storm's leftover swell. Officials continue urging beachgoers to stay out of the water until conditions calm down. The broader pattern illustrates something forecasters have highlighted all season. A storm does not need to make landfall to cause serious flood damage along a coastline hundreds of miles away. Marie stayed offshore the entire time, yet its swells still managed to breach protective berms, damage homes, and keep emergency crews working around the clock. For Long Beach, Seal Beach and other exposed stretches of the Southern California coast, the cleanup is ongoing, and residents are being told to stay alert until the water finally settles for good. This is a developing story. If you are experiencing flood emergencies, contact local emergency services. Source: KTLA 5