Hurricane Marie will stay well offshore, but high surf, coastal flooding and some unsafe ocean water could complicate beach plans.

MALIBU, CA — Malibu beachgoers should use extra caution over Labor Day weekend as Hurricane Marie sends high surf, powerful rip currents and the threat of coastal flooding toward the Southern California coast.

Marie is expected to remain well offshore, but a large southerly swell will affect Southern California beaches from Friday through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. The swell is expected to peak Sunday and Monday, particularly at south-facing beaches. Forecasters identified Malibu among the areas especially vulnerable.

A high surf advisory and coastal flood advisory will be in effect from 6 a.m. Saturday through 11 p.m. Tuesday for portions of the Los Angeles County coast. Forecasters expect breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet, along with strong rip currents and evening high tides approaching 7 feet.

The combination could cause coastal flooding and beach erosion, with Malibu, the Alamitos Peninsula in Long Beach and Avalon among the areas considered especially vulnerable.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department urged anyone heading to the coast to check conditions with a lifeguard before entering the water, swim or surf near an open lifeguard tower and never go into the ocean alone. Beachgoers should also stay away from piers, rocks and jetties and never turn their backs on the ocean.

Rain could add another wrinkle to holiday weekend plans. Moisture from Marie is expected to bring increasing humidity Saturday and a chance of showers Saturday night, followed by a greater chance of light rain Sunday through Tuesday.

Drivers were urged to slow down on wet roads and never attempt to cross flooded areas.

Beachgoers should also pay attention to posted water-quality warnings.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued ocean water use warnings Friday for nine beaches after samples showed bacteria levels above state health standards.

MALIBU, Calif. — A key access road into Point Dume Beach in Malibu, along with the entrance and parking areas, have been closed indefinitely due to severe erosion, city officials announced Sunday.

The erosion caused by high tides and surf Saturday was in addition to earlier damage reported last week around several beachfront properties that were destroyed in the January 2025 Palisades Fire, Malibu officials said.

"The Los Angeles County [Department] of Beaches & Harbors reports that, due to additional erosion caused by [Saturday] night's high tides and surf, Westward Beach Road, beyond the pay gate, and the Point Dume Beach parking lot, are closed until further notice," the announcement stated. "There is currently no estimated reopening date.

"Additionally, Restrooms 1, 2, and 3 remain closed after erosion damaged the water line serving the facilities. Temporary chemical toilets and hand-washing stations have been deployed for visitors nearby."

The Beaches & Harbor Department added it's own warning for potential beachgoers.

"Visitors are reminded not to cross safety cones, caution tape, or barriers," the department statement said. "The bluff edge is unstable, with erosion creating drop-offs of up to 8 feet in some locations. Entering closed areas could result in serious injury."

The California Highway Patrol has also issued a SigAlert shutting down Westward Beach Road at Birdview Avenue, leading into the entrance to Point Dume Beach, until further notice.

Nearby Pacific Coast Highway remains open, the CHP said.

Malibu officials noted the earlier erosion in late July and had met with Caltrans and members of Gov. Gavin Newsom's staff to further discuss coastal erosion.

"Recent high tides and high surf have accelerated coastal erosion in the burn area where seawalls from the homes no longer provide any protection from the surf," city officials said. "In several locations, the erosion has advanced close to the roadway.

"The City will continue to keep the community informed as additional information becomes available."

Malibu has declared a local emergency to expedite the removal of encampments.

KABC

MALIBU, Calif. (CNS) -- Malibu has declared a local emergency due to worsening wildfire conditions, allowing the city to expedite the removal of homeless encampments in areas considered at high risk for fires, officials announced on Thursday.

The City Council unanimously approved the declaration Monday after live fuel moisture levels in the Santa Monica Mountains dropped below the city's 65% threshold for hazardous fire conditions.

The latest measurement was 63%, down from 67%, according to the city.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department takes fuel samples every two weeks.

Live fuel moisture measures the amount of water contained in living vegetation and is considered a key indicator of wildfire danger. When the level reaches 60%, vegetation can burn as though it were dead, increasing the potential for rapid fire growth, city officials said.

“Declaring a local emergency provides an important proactive measure to reduce wildfire risk and protects lives and homes in Malibu as fire conditions worsen as we move towards the peak fire season,'' Mayor Bruce Silverstein said in a statement.

The declaration allows the city to expedite the removal of homeless encampments in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Under normal conditions, state law requires a more extensive notification process, while the emergency declaration allows removals to be completed within a day, according to the city.

Malibu officials said the city's 2026 homeless count identified 27 unhoused people and 16 dwellings, including tents, vehicles and makeshift shelters. That was down from 46 people in 2025 and 157 in 2021.

The city, working with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, cleared 44 encampments in 2025, 44 in 2024 and 29 in 2023, according to city officials.

The emergency declaration will remain in effect through the hazardous fire season until the city has received at least 2 inches of rain, live fuel moisture reaches at least 80%, and there have been no Fire Weather Watches or Red Flag Warnings during the preceding two weeks or in the extended forecast for Malibu.

Copyright 2026, City News Service, Inc.

September is National Preparedness Month, and this year, being prepared is more important than ever. As Malibu continues recovering from the Palisades Fire, we are also approaching peak wildfire season while preparing for the possibility of strong storms, heavy rain, flooding, and landslides this winter associated with the forecast strong El Niño. I encouraging every resident to take action now to prepare for whatever nature may bring.

Throughout September, the City is providing residents with practical tools and resources to strengthen their readiness, including weekly tests of the Everbridge Disaster Notification System, free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, a Safety Resource Fair, and ongoing wildfire preparedness information. I encourage everyone to take advantage of these resources, review your evacuation plan, maintain defensible space, and make sure your emergency supplies and contact information are up to date. Small steps taken now can make a significant difference when an emergency occurs.

At the same time, the City continues its work on recovery and public safety. Our Community Development team is helping fire-affected property owners move forward with rebuilding, while City staff and Caltrans are coordinating on interim safety measures for high-priority properties along PCH affected by coastal erosion. The City is also continuing to address graffiti in the Palisades Fire area, encampments, and other public safety concerns throughout the community. We also launched the outreach phase of our PCH Speed Safety System, a powerful tool in our toolbox to address safety on our Main Street.

This edition of the newsletter also highlights important opportunities for community engagement, including the return of the Malibu Farmers Market to its longtime home, a public input workshop on new Caltrans PCH safety improvements from Las Flores Canyon to Carbon Beach, and the Community Lands Project. Our Community Services Department also has an exciting schedule full of excellent arts, recreation, cultural, wellness, nature,, and senior programs this month.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to Malibu. As we prepare for the challenges ahead, our greatest strength remains a community that looks out for one another and takes action together.

Joe IrvinCity ManagerCity of Malibu