Hurricanes in Pacific Threaten Southern California with High Surf and Coastal Flooding

Two hurricanes in the Pacific Ocean near Mexico are generating high surf conditions that could create hazards for Southern California beachgoers. These conditions, combined with unusually high tides, may lead to coastal flooding.

The hurricanes, named Polo and Odalys, are not expected to make landfall in California. Forecasts predict only isolated showers for parts of Southern California on Monday. However, other parts of the Southwest should prepare for substantial rain.

Details on Hurricane Polo

Polo, a Category 4 hurricane, is on its way to Baja California Sur. It carries sustained winds of 140 mph and is expected to bring heavy rains and flooding as it makes landfall on Monday.

Hurricane Odalys Overview

Hurricane Odalys, packing winds of 90 mph, is positioned nearly 900 miles west of Baja California’s southern tip. It is expected to turn away from land and begin to weaken.

Polo’s rapid intensification is attributed to warm ocean waters off Mexico, which have supported its strength. Marty Ralph, director of the Center for Western Weather & Water Extremes at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, noted, “To have a storm of this intensity persist as a strong hurricane all the way into Baja is unusual.”

Warm ocean conditions and a sustained El Niño pattern have influenced the development and persistence of these hurricanes.

Local Impacts and Warnings

In Los Angeles and Ventura counties, four- to seven-foot surf is expected on Monday and Tuesday. Strong rip currents and potential coastal flooding are also concerns, according to Lisa Phillips, meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office.

“Ocean water is going to creep up higher than normal,” Phillips stated. This situation, combined with high tides, could exacerbate coastal flooding impacts and lead to beach erosion.

Coastal flood advisories are in place for L.A. and Ventura counties on Monday and Tuesday, and for Orange and San Diego counties from Monday through Wednesday. Beachgoers are advised to remain cautious, check with lifeguards about safe swimming conditions, and avoid rock jetties.

Earlier this month, intense waves from Hurricane Marie caused damage along the Southern California coast. In Long Beach, large waves damaged homes and led to defensive actions such as boardwalk reinforcements and sandbag distributions.

As Hurricane Polo proceeds through Baja California and mainland Mexico, Southern California may experience unusual cloud formations and a few showers. Arizona and New Mexico are likely to receive substantial rain, and there might be enough moisture to slightly benefit the Colorado River’s reservoirs.

Contributions to this report came from Times staff writers Terry Castleman and Alex Wigglesworth.