Two Hurricanes and Zero Landfall: Why Southern California Faces a Beach Crisis Soon

Two hurricanes named Polo and Odalys are churning the Pacific. They are not expected to hit Southern California land. However forecasters say they will send dangerous swells. This happens just as the coast deals with summer waves. The National Weather Service in Oxnard predicts changes starting Sunday. The most noticeable impacts likely come Monday and Tuesday.

Officials warn this is just a preview. Last month Hurricane Marie caused a massive sinkhole in Malibu. It also damaged beachfront homes in Long Beach and Laguna Beach. This adds to the list of coastal areas declaring local emergencies. The swell coincides with bimonthly high tides. This increases flooding risks for shorelines that are already losing sand.

Local governments are preparing for the worst case scenario. In Newport Beach crews work on berms and offer free sandbags. Dana Point staff monitor swell forecasts and place rock revetment on Beach Road. Carlsbad is also taking a proactive approach to coastal infrastructure. These cities are racing to mitigate damage ahead of the winter storms.

The threat of a strong El Niño is driving this preparedness. Ocean temperatures are elevated. This provides extra energy for storms. Governor Newsom recently declared a statewide emergency. This anticipates the El Niño-charged storms that could bring further damage.