Hurricane Marie's Swell Forces Evacuation of 20 Homes on Long Beach Peninsula
Approximately 20 homes on the Long Beach Peninsula were evacuated on September 7, 2026, after waves from Hurricane Marie breached the local seawall and damaged foundations. The extreme high tides, reaching up to 7.2 feet, caused concrete slabs to crack and water to inundate garages and porches. Officials issued the orders out of caution pending structural inspections, while the city closed the peninsula to non-residents. This event highlights the growing threat of climate-driven sea-level rise and extreme weather to coastal infrastructure.
Key points
- Evacuation of ~20 homes along Seaside Walk (63rd-67th Place) on Sept 7, 2026.
- Hurricane Marie's remnants caused waves to breach the seawall and boardwalk.
- High tides reached 7.2 feet, causing concrete cracks and foundation concerns.
- Peninsula closed to traffic; building inspectors assessing structural integrity.
- Mayor Rex Richardson warned this is a preview of future climate emergencies.
Background
This incident follows a pattern of severe coastal weather in 2026. In July, the Long Beach Peninsula already experienced high surf that washed out sand berms and boardwalk sections. The current event is exacerbated by an exceptionally strong El Niño and unprecedented ocean heat, which has expanded water volume and raised tide levels significantly above the typical 4-6.5 feet range. Previous local news in August covered a major power outage affecting thousands in Long Beach, indicating ongoing infrastructure stress in the region.
How outlets are covering it
The Long Beach Post and Los Angeles Times emphasize the structural integrity concerns, noting that cracks in concrete slabs between homes prompted the 'abundance of caution' evacuation. NBC Los Angeles focuses on the immediate physical impact, reporting that at least 12 garages were damaged and residents were seen sandbagging windows. The New York Post highlights the broader climate context, quoting Mayor Rex Richardson's warning that this event is a 'preview' of future threats and Battalion Chief Jake Heflin's statement that this is 'just the beginning' for waterfront infrastructure needs. All sources agree on the cause (Hurricane Marie) and the location (Seaside Walk), but differ in emphasis: local outlets focus on the immediate damage and evacuation logistics, while national outlets frame it as a climate change indicator.
Why it matters
This event underscores the vulnerability of coastal infrastructure to extreme weather events driven by climate change. The breach of the seawall and damage to foundations signal potential long-term economic and safety risks for coastal communities. It also highlights the need for updated infrastructure standards and emergency response protocols in the face of rising sea levels and stronger storms.
What to watch
Building inspectors will determine if the evacuated homes are safe to reoccupy. The city will assess the damage to the boardwalk and seawall to plan reinforcements. High surf and coastal flood advisories remain in effect through Tuesday evening, with potential for further damage if tides continue to rise. Long-term, the city may need to invest in more robust coastal defenses to mitigate future storm impacts.
- Homes evacuated on Long Beach Peninsula after damage from hurricane-driven waves Long Beach Post
- Dozens of homes evacuated in Long Beach due to storm damage, high surf Los Angeles Times
- Seal Beach residents begin cleanup after high surf floods boardwalk, prepare for more water ABC7 Los Angeles
- Some residents along Long Beach Boardwalk told to evacuate as high surf continues NBC Los Angeles
- California homeowners evacuate as hurricane sends monster waves crashing into their homes New York Post
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