Los Angeles County officials have issued an urgent warning to residents as Tropical Storm Marie churns toward Southern California with potentially dangerous consequences.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department took to social media with a blunt message for the public: “Don’t underestimate the storm.” The warning comes as forecast models show Marie edging toward the region around Labor Day weekend, threatening heavy rain, powerful surf, gusty winds and dangerous flooding.
While the storm’s exact track remains uncertain, the potential impacts have put emergency managers on high alert. One model has even suggested Marie could bring hurricane-force winds, although meteorologists say the odds of that scenario remain relatively low. For the immediate holiday weekend, most areas are expected to see light to moderate rainfall, with less than an inch predicted across the majority of the region, according to KTLA.
The storm threat arrives amid a much larger weather pattern taking shape over the Pacific. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting wetter-than-normal conditions across much of the Western U.S. Through mid-September as a strengthening El Niño develops. Southern California could see among the greatest impacts, with NOAA forecasting a 50% to 60% chance of above-average precipitation across Southern California and southwestern Arizona from Sept. 9 through Sept. 15.
“Tropical moisture may produce heavy rainfall for some areas, especially the Southwest,” NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center told the outlet.
Even if Marie never makes a direct approach, Southern California beachgoers could still face serious hazards. The National Weather Service has warned of large waves and dangerous rip currents, while south-facing beaches face a moderate possibility of coastal flooding.
That possibility has prompted an extensive preparedness push from the Sheriff’s Department. Officials urged residents to clear debris from gutters and storm drains, secure outdoor furniture, charge phones and backup batteries, inspect vehicles and stock up on essentials including food, water, flashlights and medications. Residents should also know multiple evacuation routes and make plans for children, elderly family members, neighbors who may need assistance, and pets.
The department delivered one especially stark warning for when conditions deteriorate: “turn around, don’t drown.” Just six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, while deeper floodwaters can sweep vehicles away. Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roads or go around barricades, officials said. Residents should also stay away from rivers, washes, creeks and flood-control channels during dangerous conditions.
Flooding could become especially dangerous near creeks, rivers, drainage channels, washes, low-lying neighborhoods, mountains and recently burned hillsides. Officials warn that mud and debris flows, rockslides, downed trees and power outages are also possible.
“If you’re told to evacuate — don’t wait,” the Sheriff’s Department warned.
With Marie still developing offshore and El Niño potentially fueling a wetter-than-usual stretch, Californians are being urged to prepare for the possibility that the Golden State’s holiday weekend could get significantly messier than expected.