El Niño-driven surf damages Southern California coastline, prompting evacuations and repairs

Intense surf tied to Hurricane Marie and a strengthening El Niño caused widespread damage along Southern California’s shoreline over the Labor Day weekend. In Long Beach, waves breached protective sand berms, smashed through a seawall and destroyed sections of the historic wooden boardwalk, prompting evacuation orders for at least 24 oceanfront homes until authorities could assess structural safety, according to the Long Beach Fire Department.

"The whole beach is gone," said resident Carmen Vaudry, describing the loss of sand in front of her home.

Similar impacts were reported from Malibu to San Diego. In Dana Point, officials marked seven beachfront houses as unsafe and two others with safety concerns after decks and walls were torn away. San Clemente’s coastal railway suffered slope damage and erosion, forcing a temporary shutdown. A sinkhole opened in the driveway of actor Nicolas Cage’s Malibu residence, leading to the evacuation of 31 nearby homes and a local emergency declaration. Waves also overtopped sections of the Pacific Coast Highway near Point Mugu and flooded parking areas in Seal Beach.

The National Weather Service kept coastal flood and beach-hazard advisories in effect through Wednesday night, warning that high surf combined with astronomical tides could persist. Residents expressed concern about the coming season.

"I’m highly concerned," said Long Beach resident Matt Taylor, who helped clear debris after the flooding.

University of California climate scientist Daniel Swain described the recent events as a preview of what could occur later in the year as the El Niño intensifies. Researchers note that elevated ocean temperatures associated with El Niño raise tide levels and add energy to storms, increasing the risk of stronger waves and coastal flooding.

Local governments are taking preventive steps. Long Beach officials are reinforcing remaining sand berms and seawalls and inspecting drainage systems. Ventura County public works teams are surveying vulnerable sites, while Orange County is refurbishing pump stations for potential flood protection. Many coastal municipalities are stockpiling sandbags and planning additional mitigation measures.

"We are seeing the effects of El Niño already," said USGS research geologist Jonathan Warrick.

Long-time residents recalled previous El Niño winters but noted that the recent storm caused unprecedented damage to the boardwalk and nearby properties. City officials have not provided updates on a proposed dredging project that could expand the beach and improve wave protection.

The combined impact of the surf and the emerging El Niño pattern underscores the heightened vulnerability of Southern California’s low-lying coastal communities and the need for continued preparedness measures.