Warning issued to Californians as hurricane threat approaches: ‘Don’t Underestimate the Storm’

California may be famous for earthquakes and wildfires, but residents are now being warned to brace for a very different threat — a tropical storm with potential to pack a serious punch.

Los Angeles County officials are urging residents not to let Southern California’s typically mild tropical weather lull them into a false sense of security as Tropical Storm Marie churns through the Pacific and could strengthen in the days ahead.

“Don’t underestimate the storm,” the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department warned in a social media post.

While Marie’s exact track remains uncertain, some forecast models show the storm edging toward Southern California around Labor Day weekend, raising concerns about heavy rain, powerful surf, gusty winds and dangerous flooding.

One model has even suggested Marie could bring hurricane-force winds, although meteorologists say the odds of that scenario remain relatively low.

The storm threat comes as a much larger weather pattern takes shape over the Pacific.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting wetter-than-normal conditions across much of the Western US through mid-September as a strengthening El Niño develops, per KTLA.

Southern California could be among the areas seeing the greatest impact, with NOAA forecasting a 50% to 60% chance of above-average precipitation across Southern California and southwestern Arizona from Sept. 9 through Sept. 15.

“Tropical moisture may produce heavy rainfall for some areas, especially the Southwest,” NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center told the outlet.

For the immediate Labor Day weekend, however, the forecast remains uncertain.

Marie is most likely to bring light to moderate rainfall, with less than an inch expected across most areas, according to KTLA. But forecasters warn that conditions could change quickly depending on the storm’s eventual path and strength.

And even if Marie never makes a direct approach, Southern California beachgoers could still get slammed by its effects.

The National Weather Service has warned of large waves and dangerous rip currents, while south-facing beaches face a moderate possibility of coastal flooding.

That has prompted officials to tell residents to prepare now rather than scramble if conditions deteriorate.

Flooding could become especially dangerous near creeks, rivers, drainage channels, washes, low-lying neighborhoods, mountains and recently burned hillsides. Officials warn that mud and debris flows, rockslides, downed trees and power outages are also possible.

The Sheriff’s Department urged residents to clear debris from gutters and storm drains, secure outdoor furniture, charge phones and backup batteries, inspect vehicles, and stock up on essentials including food, water, flashlights and medications.

Residents should also know multiple evacuation routes and make plans for children, elderly family members, neighbors who may need assistance, and pets.

And when the rain starts falling, authorities have one blunt warning: “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Just six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, while deeper floodwaters can sweep vehicles away.

Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roads or go around barricades, officials said. Residents should also stay away from rivers, washes, creeks and flood-control channels during dangerous conditions.

“If you’re told to evacuate — don’t wait,” the Sheriff’s Department warned.

With Marie still developing offshore and El Niño potentially fueling a wetter-than-usual stretch, Californians are being urged to prepare for the possibility that the Golden State’s holiday weekend could get a whole lot messier than expected.

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