Hurricane Marie expected to stay offshore but bring high surf and rain to California beaches

Hurricane Marie is forecast to remain well offshore, with its core passing about 800 miles east of Los Angeles, reducing the risk of major flooding or strong winds on the mainland. Nonetheless, the storm is set to generate a 6- to 8-foot south swell that will produce hazardous surf and rip currents along Southern California beaches during the Labor Day weekend.

UC climate scientist Daniel Swain noted that the probability of a direct hurricane landfall from the current weather pattern is essentially zero. The National Weather Service in Oxnard warned beachgoers to stay in lifeguarded areas and remain aware of rip currents, adding that temperatures will be in the mid-80s with humidity between 35% and 50%.

Light rain, up to a quarter of an inch, is possible on Sunday, with a 5%-10% chance of thunderstorms, according to the weather service. The agency also cautioned that evening high tides combined with the swell could raise the risk of moderate coastal flooding in low-lying areas such as Avalon, the Alamitos Peninsula, Malibu and Point Mugu.

The Monterey office indicated that significant rain is unlikely north of the Central Coast, though the swell may affect the Central Coast and Bay Area. San Francisco’s weather service issued a beach hazards statement warning of 10-foot waves and strong rip currents from Friday through Monday, urging the public to avoid jetties, piers, rocks and other waterside structures.

Officials reminded residents planning outdoor events to consider alternate arrangements if rain tolerance is low. The warnings come after several recent drownings on Southern California beaches earlier this summer.