Pacific Coast preparedness
West Coast tropical storm preparedness
Direct hurricane landfalls on the mainland West Coast are exceptionally rare. Tropical storms and their remnants can still bring dangerous rain, flash flooding, high surf, and rip currents, especially in Southern California. Prepare for the hazard in your local forecast.
Southern California impacts in 2026
In September 2026, Hurricane Marie stayed well offshore. The National Hurricane Center warned that swells from the storm would create dangerous surf and rip currents along the Southern California coast. This was an offshore hazard, not a hurricane landfall. Check today's local NWS forecast for current conditions.
What to do before impacts
- Check National Weather Service alerts for your city, including flood, wind, and coastal warnings.
- Know alternate routes away from washes, low-water crossings, burn scars, and flood-prone roads.
- Keep water, medications, power banks, lighting, and a battery radio ready for outages or road closures.
- Stay off beaches and jetties during hazardous surf. Follow lifeguard and local closure notices.
- For Oregon and Washington, use local NWS alerts for coastal storms and flood hazards; do not assume an offshore tropical cyclone will reach your area.
Official forecasts
Prepare for outages and road closures
A useful starter kit includes water, food, medication, lighting, first aid, and a way to charge your phone. Choose supplies for your household and local forecast, not a storm label.
The supply guides contain disclosed Amazon affiliate links.
Use our emergency kit checklist for household supplies.