Hurricane Marie is expected to remain well away from the California coast, but its effects will begin reaching the Southland Friday in the form of a growing southerly swell that will bring increasingly hazardous surf and rip currents through the Labor Day weekend.
The National Weather Service said Marie is expected to track northwest, greatly reducing the potential for significant winds or flooding in Southern California, but moisture from the storm is forecast to move into the region over the weekend.
“All eyes shift to Saturday as the tropical influences of the much talked about Hurricane Marie will begin to be felt, at least south of Point Conception,” forecasters said.
A large southerly swell generated by the hurricane is expected to affect Southern California beaches from Friday through Tuesday, with the swell likely peaking Sunday and Monday.
Elevated surf is expected at south-facing beaches, along with very strong rip currents. The weather service has issued a high surf advisory and coastal flood advisory from 6 a.m. Saturday through 11 p.m. Tuesday for portions of the Los Angeles County coast.
Evening high tides of around 7 feet are expected during portions of the event, increasing the potential for moderate flooding in low-lying coastal areas and significant beach erosion, forecasters said.
Malibu, Long Beach’s Alamitos Peninsula and Avalon were identified among the areas most susceptible to the combination of elevated surf and high tides.
“This northwest track for Marie has all but shut the door on the potential for very significant impacts over our area such as significant winds or flooding, but a very, very small chance for higher impacts does still exist,” forecasters said.
Moisture associated with Marie is expected to begin increasing humidity Saturday, with a slight chance of showers developing Saturday night.
There is a moderate to high chance of widespread light rain from Sunday into Tuesday, according to the weather service. While most forecast models show little to very light rainfall, some indicate the possibility of more than an inch, leaving a chance for moderate rainfall.
“Overall southern California can expect a slight warm up with more humid conditions along with periods of rain which could certainly dampen outdoor plans,” forecasters said.
Before Marie’s moisture moves into the region, Friday is expected to remain relatively quiet across Los Angeles County, with temperatures generally 5 to 10 degrees below normal for early September.