LONG BEACH, CA — Another powerful weather system is moving into Southern California Wednesday, threatening heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and dangerous coastal conditions just days after destructive waves battered beachfront properties in Long Beach.
The National Weather Service is forecasting between 0.5 and 1.5 inches of rain across much of the region, with 1.5 to 3 inches possible in south-facing mountains and foothills. The heaviest precipitation is expected through Thursday morning, although isolated thunderstorms could produce more intense downpours.
Forecasters have also issued a beach hazards statement through late Thursday night for the Los Angeles County coastline, warning of dangerous rip currents and breaking waves of 3 to 6 feet.
The advisory specifically identifies the Long Beach area as one of the locations where additional beach erosion and minor tidal overflow could occur, raising concerns along the Peninsula, where recent waves stripped away protective sand and threatened oceanfront homes.
An Associated Press report published Tuesday documented waves crashing against beachfront properties after much of the sand that ordinarily separates them from the ocean had been washed away.
The latest forecast does not mean further damage is inevitable, but it places an already vulnerable stretch of coastline at renewed risk as another storm moves through the region.
A separate flood watch issued by the National Weather Service takes effect at 4 p.m. Wednesday and continues until 4 p.m. Thursday for the Malibu Coast and the eastern and western Santa Monica Mountains, including Pacific Palisades and Topanga.
Forecasters warned that rainfall rates could reach 0.5 to 1 inch per hour, particularly Wednesday night, potentially overwhelming drainage systems and flooding streets, creeks and other low-lying areas. Heavy downpours could also trigger debris flows near recent wildfire burn scars, where vegetation loss and unstable soil can make slopes particularly vulnerable.
The flood watch is limited to the designated forecast zones and does not extend across the entire Los Angeles County coastline. Communities including Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Long Beach nevertheless remain exposed to rain, thunderstorms and potentially hazardous beach conditions.
The approaching storm could also bring lightning, gusty winds and small hail, while waterspouts are possible over coastal waters.
Although the heaviest rain is expected to ease Thursday, dangerous surf and rip currents could persist along the coastline into late Thursday night.
The NWS coastal advisory warns that waves could wash people off beaches and rocks, while strong rip currents may endanger swimmers and surfers. Small boats operating close to shore could also be vulnerable.
Residents should be aware that coastal flooding and rainfall-related flooding are separate hazards. Elevated ocean levels and breaking waves can push water onto low-lying beaches and roads, while heavy rainfall can overwhelm storm drains and cause flooding farther inland.
Forecasters are urging residents in flood-prone locations to monitor updated warnings and be prepared to take action if conditions deteriorate. Beachgoers should avoid rocks and jetties and heed instructions from lifeguards and local authorities.
The latest forecasts and weather alerts are available from the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard office, here.
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