Two hurricanes, Polo and Odalys, are in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Mexico. They are causing high surf in Southern California, which will coincide with higher tides, increasing risks for beachgoers and potential coastal flooding.
Hurricanes Polo and Odalys are not predicted to hit land in California. Isolated showers could occur in some areas of Southern California on Monday. However, other locations in the Southwest might receive significant rainfall.
Polo, a Category 4 hurricane with winds of 140 mph, is expected to land in Baja California Sur on Monday, bringing heavy rains and flooding. Meanwhile, Hurricane Odalys, with 90 mph winds, is about 900 miles west of Baja California’s southern tip. It is expected to veer away from land and weaken.
The quick intensification of Polo into a major hurricane was due to warm ocean waters. Marty Ralph, director of the Center for Western Weather & Water Extremes at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography, noted that it’s uncommon for such a strong hurricane to persist into Baja, partly because of the warm ocean temperatures off Mexico.
The hurricanes formed during a marine heat wave and a robust El Niño, marked by warming ocean waters in the central and eastern Pacific.
Additionally, Hurricane Nolo is affecting Hawaii with strong winds and heavy rains this weekend.
In Los Angeles and Ventura counties, surf of four to seven feet is expected on Monday and Tuesday, along with strong rip currents and possible coastal flooding. Lisa Phillips, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Oxnard office, stated that ocean water levels will rise higher than usual. There will be high tides in combination with increased surf, which may result in coastal flooding and beach erosion.
The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood advisory for Los Angeles and Ventura counties on Monday and Tuesday. For Orange and San Diego counties, the advisory remains effective from Monday through Wednesday.
Beachgoers are advised to exercise caution. They should check with lifeguards about swimming safety and avoid rock jetties.
Earlier this month, Hurricane Marie caused substantial damage to beachfront homes in parts of Southern California and eroded beaches. In Long Beach, where waves hit the seawall and homes, crews are reinforcing the boardwalk and distributing sandbags.
As Polo moves into Mexico, Southern California may experience unusual clouds and scattered showers, according to Ralph. The area will be on the storm’s periphery as it goes through Baja California and progresses into the desert southwest.
Arizona and New Mexico may receive significant rainfall. The storm might also bring some moisture northward, potentially offering a small boost to the depleted reservoirs of the Colorado River.
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