Long Beach Prepares for Hurricane Polo After Marie
Long Beach is on high alert as Hurricane Polo approaches, following the devastation of Hurricane Marie. Residents are boarding up homes or packing to leave, while city officials work on sand berms and emergency declarations. The storm threatens high surf, rip currents, and potential coastal floodin…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On Thursday, September 24, 2026, the Long Beach Peninsula faced a new threat: Hurricane Polo, a powerful storm that had already battered Southern California. Residents who had survived the brutal pounding of Hurricane Marie over Labor Day weekend were now preparing for a possible repeat of the damage, with many boarding up windows or packing belongings in anticipation of the next wave surge.
Aftermath of Hurricane Marie
Marie struck the Long Beach Peninsula on Monday, producing towering waves that flooded homes, destroyed vehicles, and smashed the historic boardwalk. The storm left the beachfront nine feet of sand eroded, undermining foundations and washing away deck steps. Homeowners like Shawn Jeffery, who has lived on the Peninsula for nine years, reported a sinkhole where the sand once stood. "I don’t think this house is gonna make it," Jeffery told reporters, as he stacked his belongings in the garage before the next storm.
Neighbors echoed Jeffery’s concerns. Julio Zamarripa, a retired pilot whose home escaped Marie’s worst, warned that the city’s sand replenishment efforts were insufficient. "What are they waiting for? It’ll be too late when the next storm comes," he said, urging authorities to act before Polo’s arrival.
City Response and Emergency Measures
The Long Beach City Council approved an emergency declaration on Tuesday, granting City Manager Tom Modica and his team greater flexibility to fortify the city’s beaches. The declaration allows for rapid deployment of sand berms and other protective measures. However, residents like Paula Attina, who were forced to evacuate during Marie, criticize the response as a “band‑aid.” She described the house shaking like an earthquake and the boardwalk exploding, and said the current sand berms do not provide lasting protection.
City workers have been building temporary sand berms along the shoreline, but many residents feel the efforts are reactive rather than preventive. The National Weather Service’s Los Angeles/Oxnard office, represented by meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld, warned that Polo could bring high surf and coastal flooding. She estimated that high tides could peak at around 7 feet from Monday through Wednesday, a significant increase from the typical 5‑foot tide.
What Residents Are Doing Now
With the storm’s path still uncertain, many Long Beach Peninsula residents are taking matters into their own hands. Some are boarding up windows with plywood and securing loose debris. Others are packing up essentials and planning to leave the area temporarily. Christine Nakov, a local resident, recalled how neighbors ran out of supplies during Marie and used golf carts to move sand. She expressed concern that the same logistical challenges could recur.
Homeowners are also preparing for the possibility of powerful rip currents and elevated surf that could affect the entire Southern California coastline. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for rip currents along the coast, advising beachgoers to stay away from the water.
Looking Ahead: The El Niño Season and Long‑Term Planning
Experts say the El Niño season could bring more tropical storms to the region, increasing the likelihood of repeat events. Long Beach officials are urged to consider permanent solutions, such as reinforced seawalls or engineered beach nourishment projects, to protect the peninsula’s vulnerable homes and infrastructure.
As the city grapples with the immediate threat of Hurricane Polo, the broader conversation about climate resilience and coastal protection is gaining urgency. Residents, city officials, and meteorologists are all watching the skies, hoping that the storm will pass without further devastation.
Key facts
- Hurricane Polo threatens Long Beach after Marie’s devastation
- Residents are boarding up homes or evacuating
- City emergency declaration allows rapid beach fortification
- High surf and rip currents expected along the coast
- Long‑term coastal protection solutions needed
Why it matters
The looming threat of Hurricane Polo could inflict significant damage on Long Beach’s already vulnerable coastal infrastructure, affecting homes, businesses, and public safety. Understanding the risks and preparedness measures is crucial for residents and city planners.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current status of Hurricane Polo?
Polo is a tropical storm that has intensified into a hurricane and is expected to make landfall in Southern California within the next 48 hours.
How can residents protect their homes?
Boarding up windows, securing loose objects, and packing essential supplies are recommended until official guidance is issued.
What should beachgoers do?
Avoid the water due to high surf and rip currents; follow local advisories.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “Storm-battered Long Beach fears the worst as Hurricane Polo looms”
