Hurricane Marie expected to stay offshore, but could bring surf and showers to California
Forecasters say Hurricane Marie will likely remain far from the California coast, though swells and isolated thunderstorms may affect the region over the holiday weekend.
The National Hurricane Center indicates that Hurricane Marie is currently situated well off Mexico's Pacific coast and is projected to track west-northwestward, keeping the storm hundreds of miles from land. Most computer models support this path, while a minority suggest a more northerly turn that could bring remnants nearer to Southern or Central California next week.
Meteorologists note that even if the storm stays offshore, the generated swells are expected to reach Southern California, potentially producing large breaking waves, strong rip currents and localized coastal flooding on south-facing shores, according to the National Weather Service.
Additionally, a southward dip in the jet stream is forecast to draw tropical moisture, including some from Marie, into the western United States, increasing the likelihood of showers and thunderstorms across much of the West. These storms could bring brief periods of heavy rain and flash-flood risk, especially in hilly, mountainous, urban or desert areas.
Officials advise residents in California and the Desert Southwest to monitor updates, avoid ocean swimming unless experienced and near lifeguards, and consider postponing hikes or outdoor activities in canyons if thunderstorms are forecast.