Tropical Storm Marie Southern California: What to Expect This Labor Day Weekend

Tropical Storm Marie Southern California could bring large swells, strong rip currents and rain chances during the Labor Day weekend.

Tropical Storm Marie is strengthening over the eastern Pacific, and weather officials are watching its possible effects on Southern California. The storm is expected to become a hurricane, but current information does not indicate that a direct tropical-storm or hurricane landfall in Southern California is likely.

For Southern California, the bigger concerns are rough surf, strong rip currents and a chance of rain over the Labor Day weekend.

What Happened the Tropical Storm Marie Southern California?

Tropical Storm Marie has been moving northwest over the eastern Pacific. As of early Wednesday, September 2, the storm was located near 16.1 degrees north latitude and 110.3 degrees west longitude, about 470 miles south of the southern tip of Baja California.

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Marie had maximum sustained winds of about 65 mph, with a minimum central pressure of 994 millibars. The National Hurricane Center expected the storm to strengthen further and become a hurricane.

Marie is still far from Southern California, but the storm is important to watch because tropical systems can send large swells and moisture north toward the California coast.

Latest Updates

Marie is expected to keep moving northwest as it strengthens over the Pacific. The National Hurricane Center’s forecast called for Marie to reach hurricane strength as it moves over the Pacific.

Right now, a direct hurricane landfall is not the main concern for Southern California. The storm could still send large swells north toward the Southern California coast over the holiday weekend.

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles is also watching several possible weather scenarios for the Labor Day weekend. Depending on Marie’s track, Southern California could see mostly quiet weather, some rain or offshore winds.

The National Weather Service is warning beachgoers about a high chance of large waves and strong rip currents during the holiday period. There is also a moderate chance of impactful coastal flooding along some south-facing beaches.

What We Know about Tropical Storm Marie Southern California

So far, this is what forecasters know about the storm:

• Tropical Storm Marie is located over the eastern Pacific.
• Marie is strengthening and is expected to become a hurricane.
• The storm was about 470 miles south of the southern tip of Baja California in the latest advisory.
• Marie was moving northwest at about 9 mph.
• There are currently no coastal watches or warnings for Southern California related to Marie.
• Large swells from Marie are expected to spread north toward Southern California.
• Strong rip currents could create dangerous conditions for swimmers.
• Some Southern California locations could see rain during the Labor Day period.
• Forecast details may change as Marie moves and new weather data becomes available.

Background of Tropical Storm Marie Southern California

Tropical storms do not have to make landfall to affect California.

When a tropical system becomes strong over the Pacific, it can produce large waves that travel long distances. Those swells can reach Southern California beaches even when the storm’s center remains hundreds of miles offshore.

Even with Marie staying offshore, people along the coast can still feel the storm’s effects. The National Hurricane Center previously noted that Marie-generated swells could spread north toward Southern California and create dangerous surf and rip-current conditions.

Southern California’s Labor Day weather could also depend on how much tropical moisture moves north. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles said several different weather scenarios remain possible for the holiday weekend.

What Happens Next?

Forecasters will continue tracking Marie as it strengthens and moves farther across the Pacific.

For people planning to visit Southern California beaches, checking the latest local marine forecast is especially important. Large waves and rip currents can be dangerous even when there is no direct storm threat.

Outdoor events could also be affected if tropical moisture produces rain. At the same time, not every part of Southern California will necessarily experience the same conditions.

Forecasters should have a better idea of Marie’s impact as the storm moves and new data comes in.

At this point, there is no sign that Marie will make a hurricane landfall in Southern California. The more immediate issue is the potential for dangerous surf, rip currents and changing weather during the holiday weekend.

FAQ

Is Tropical Storm Marie expected to hit Southern California?

A direct hit is not currently indicated by the official forecast. Marie is expected to remain over the Pacific, but its large swells and moisture could still affect Southern California.

Will Tropical Storm Marie become a hurricane?

Yes. The National Hurricane Center forecast Marie to strengthen into a hurricane.

Could Marie bring rain to Southern California?

Yes. Tropical moisture associated with the storm could contribute to rain chances in Southern California during the Labor Day period. The exact amount and location of rain remain uncertain.

Is it safe to swim at Southern California beaches this weekend?

Beach conditions could become dangerous because of large waves and strong rip currents. Visitors should check local beach forecasts, follow lifeguard instructions and avoid entering the water when officials warn of dangerous surf.

Sources / Official References

National Hurricane Center: Tropical Storm Marie advisories and forecasts.

National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard: Southern California weather forecast and Labor Day weekend outlook.

National Weather Service Los Angeles: Coastal and beach hazard information for Southern California.

We will update this story if the forecast or conditions change.