High Surf, Rain Possible Over Labor Day Weekend In Seal Beach: How To Prepare

SEAL BEACH, CA — Be aware, Seal Beach residents: High surf triggered by Category 1 Hurricane Marie may create high surf, dangerous rip currents, flooding, rain and thunderstorms over Labor Day weekend.

Seal Beach Police officers took to social media to urge residents to prepare for the possibility of fallout from Hurricane Marie and similar El Niño-related weather.

"With the possibility of El Niño bringing heavier rainfall and stronger storms to Southern California, now is the time to prepare, before the rain starts," the Seal Beach Police Department wrote on Facebook.

Seal Beach residents were encouraged to do the following to prepare for the potential change in weather:

• Clear leaves and debris from gutters and storm drains around your property.
• Checks your roof for leaks and make necessary repairs.
• Secure outdoor furniture and other items that could be moved by strong winds.
• Have flashlights, batteries, medications, food and water available in case of an emergency.
• Never drive through flooded roadways.

Forecasters continue to put the odds of Marie directly striking SoCal as a hurricane or tropical storm at very low. The most likely track keeps the storm moving northwest and well southwest of the region through the holiday weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Even without a direct hit, moisture from Marie could be drawn into Southern California beginning this weekend.

Seal Beach residents can learn by visiting the city's website.

Thunderstorms, Heavy Rain Possible

There is a 50% to 60% chance of widespread light rain totaling 0.10 to 0.50 inches from Sunday through Tuesday. There is also a 10% to 15% chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms, according to the NWS.

Forecasters also expect increasing humidity and cloud cover over the weekend.

The potential for rain is expected to increase from Saturday into Sunday as tropical moisture moves northward, though forecasters said considerable uncertainty remains over where the moisture will concentrate.

There is also a 10% to 15% chance of moderate to strong easterly winds developing ahead of the rain, potentially creating fire-weather concerns.

High Surf Likely

The greater concern heading into the holiday weekend is along the coast.

A south-to-southeast swell generated by Marie is expected to increase surf across Southern California beaches during the weekend. The largest surf is expected from Oceanside northward, according to the NWS.

Swells from Hurricane Karina, which dissipated at the end of August, are also expected to remain in the region.

High surf advisories are likely at south-facing beaches, particularly Sunday through Monday night, with very strong rip currents possible.

Evening high tides are forecast to reach about 6.5 to 6.8 feet Sunday and around 7 feet Monday, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying coastal areas and beach erosion. Moderate coastal flooding could occur if the largest surf arrives around high tide, forecasters said.