Two hurricanes, Polo and Odalys, swirling in the Pacific Ocean are pushing powerful waves toward Southern California. These waves are coinciding with unusually high tides, creating potential risks for beachgoers and the possibility of coastal flooding.

Impact on California

Polo, a Category 4 hurricane, is moving at sustained winds of 140 mph. It is set to hit Baja California Sur on Monday, likely causing heavy rains and flooding. In contrast, Hurricane Odalys, with winds of 90 mph, is located about 900 miles west of the southern tip of Baja California, and it is expected to change course away from land and weaken.

Marty Ralph, director of the Center for Western Weather & Water Extremes at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, remarked, “To have a storm of this intensity persist as a strong hurricane all the way into Baja is unusual.” He explained that warm ocean temperatures off Mexico support the hurricane’s strength.

Marine Heat and El Niño

The hurricanes have intensified amid a marine heat wave and a significant El Niño, leading to warmer ocean waters in the central and eastern Pacific. Meanwhile, Hurricane Nolo is affecting Hawaii with strong winds and heavy rains this weekend.

Local Warnings and Precautions

In L.A. and Ventura counties, forecasts predict four- to seven-foot surf on Monday and Tuesday with strong rip currents and possible coastal flooding. Lisa Phillips, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office, warns of ocean water rising higher than normal. “We also have high tides going on at the same time as the higher surf, so that’s when we start to see more of those coastal flooding impacts, beach erosion,” Phillips said.

A coastal flood advisory was issued for L.A. and Ventura counties on Monday and Tuesday, with another advisory for Orange and San Diego counties from Monday through Wednesday. Beachgoers should exercise caution, check with lifeguards on swimming conditions, and avoid rock jetties.

Recent Coastal Impact

Earlier this September, Hurricane Marie’s waves damaged homes and eroded beaches in Southern California. In Long Beach, waves hit the seawall and homes, prompting crews to reinforce the boardwalk and distribute sandbags.

As Polo advances towards Mexico, Southern California is likely to see unusual clouds and some showers. However, the region will remain on the storm’s outer edge as it progresses through Baja California and further into mainland Mexico and the desert southwest.

Substantial rains are forecasted for Arizona and New Mexico, potentially increasing moisture farther north to boost the Colorado River’s reservoirs.