Elevated Surf, Coastal Flooding Possible As Hurricane Polo Swells Arrive

LOS ANGELES, CA — Hurricane Polo was beginning to create elevated tides at some Southland beaches Sunday, with forecasters warning of coastal flooding, significant beach erosion and dangerous rip currents over the next few days.

Hurricane Odalys is also churning off central Mexico, with southerly swells from both hurricanes expected to affect the region through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

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Surf at south-facing beaches could reach 4 to 7 feet at times Sunday through Tuesday, although forecasters said the heights could vary by about 2 feet because of uncertainty surrounding the hurricanes and their tracks.

High tides will steadily increase and are expected to peak Monday and Tuesday at around 7 feet, nearly a foot above astronomical tides due to the ongoing effects of El Nino, according to the NWS.

"There is a significant concern for coastal flooding over vulnerable south-facing beaches as a result, but the magnitude is still uncertain," forecasters said.

Areas of greatest concern include Avalon, Long Beach and Malibu.

Forecasters said south-facing beaches should prepare for shallow seawater flooding of low-lying walkways, parking lots and roads, along with the potential for significant beach erosion. Very localized damage to structures is also possible in the most vulnerable areas.

The weather service said a "reasonable worst-case scenario" would produce impacts similar to those from Hurricane Marie earlier this month, although the most likely outcome would be less severe. Marie caused significant damage to homes in Dana Point, Long Beach and Malibu.

Avalon could be particularly vulnerable because Polo's swells are expected to arrive from a more southeasterly direction than those from Marie, leaving the area more exposed, according to the NWS.

Forecasters said the situation remains complicated because Polo and Odalys are close to each other and computer models have had difficulty forecasting Odalys. Polo also has a relatively short period during which it is expected to be far enough west for its waves to have a clear path toward Southern California.

Los Angeles' Emergency Management Department issued an alert Friday afternoon warning residents to prepare for the impact, including an increased risk of drowning, saying widespread and very strong rip currents could pull swimmers and surfers out to sea.

Residents in areas prone to coastal flooding were advised to obtain ready-to-fill sandbags from Los Angeles Fire Department stations and review information on proper sandbag placement at lafd.org/news/lafd-provides-sandbags- homeowners#SandLocations.

In Long Beach, the fire department's Marine Safety Division and the city's Public Health Department were supporting coastal preparations ahead of anticipated high tides and swell. The Health Department's logistics team arrived early Saturday to deliver pre-filled sandbags and additional empty bags, and sand and sandbags were available at the Claremont Parking Lot, at 5400 E. Ocean Blvd.

A beach hazards statement was issued for LA County beaches through early Monday, and a coastal flood advisory was issued for Monday and Tuesday.

In Orange County, a beach hazards statement was issued through late Sunday due to expected minor Sunday overflow, and a coastal flood advisory was issued though 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Once the hurricane effects have passed, temperatures are expected to heat up around mid-week. Highs in the mid-to-upper 90s are expected in many valley areas beginning Wednesday and continuing into the weekend.