Coastal erosion and storm surges destroy beachfront homes in Long Beach amid El Niño conditions

Long Beach, Calif. – A series of high tides and storm surges associated with an unusually active El Niño have ripped away sand beaches, collapsed boardwalks and forced the demolition of several beachfront residences. On Oct. 9, waves surged up to the second floor of a two-story apartment building, prompting the occupants to evacuate through a bedroom window. The structure later collapsed into the ocean, and city inspectors began demolition within hours.

Scientists say the current conditions are a preview of what could become more common as sea levels rise and El Niño intensifies. Timu Gallien of the Coastal Flood Lab at UCLA warned that the recent damage “is just a little bit of a taste of what we will see in the future.” Climate scientist Daniel Swain added that “it’s likely to get worse before it gets better,” noting that similar flooding is expected in Northern California later in the year.

The recent storms followed the remnants of Hurricanes Marie and Polo and Tropical Storm Rachel, which together generated waves up to 17 feet tall. The combined effect of high tides, storm surges and underwater Kelvin waves has accelerated erosion along the Pacific Coast Highway, prompting closures of sections in Laguna Beach and Long Beach.

Mayor Rex Richardson said the city’s infrastructure “was not built for this” and that repairs will continue during low-tide periods. Residents expressed concern about the long-term viability of coastal living. One longtime peninsula resident said she would not purchase a home there now, while another homeowner, who escaped the collapse, said he plans to relocate across the bay.

UCLA associate professor Gallien noted that three more seasonal high-tide events are forecast for the remainder of the year, which could bring additional flooding and erosion. The situation underscores ongoing debates about risk tolerance, engineering solutions and the future of vulnerable coastal communities.