California Storm Cleanup Begins After Mega Swell

Spread the love

Following a period of large swells and strong tides, Southern California initiates a major storm cleanup effort. The relentless weather has finally calmed, allowing cleanup crews to tackle the extensive debris and damage along the coastal areas.

Aftermath of Mega Swell and Storms: Clean Up in Southern California Underway

Related Video

Published on: February 21, 2024 Description: Residents in California are recovering from two days of intense rainfall and flooding with strong winds causing significant damage.

California cleaning up after another storm brings more flooding

The recent mega swell and storms that hit Southern California have finally eased, but the aftermath and clean up efforts are still keeping crews busy along the coast. Beaches across the region experienced high tides and powerful waves that pushed sea water past the sand and into parking lots, posing a threat to beachfront buildings. While the damage in our local region was not as severe as in other areas, there were still areas that were impacted.

Impact on Beach House Restaurant in Seal Beach

One of the most dramatic visuals of the storm was at the Beach House restaurant in Seal Beach. Sea water pushed up the sand and surrounded the building near the San Gabriel River, causing concern for the restaurant’s owners. Fortunately, the restaurant’s foundation is slightly elevated, which prevented major flooding. Sandbags were quickly put in place around the building, and city crews worked diligently to pump water back over the jetty and out to sea. The restaurant had to close for a few days, but it has since reopened and is welcoming customers once again.

Clean Up Efforts at Doheny State Beach

Crews have been busy cleaning up the south parking lot at Doheny State Beach, where the advancing seawater forced authorities to close down the area. Heavy equipment is being used to clean up the sand that was left behind by the coastal flooding. While there has been some sand loss, it appears to be relatively minimal, and visitors are still able to enjoy the beach. However, erosion concerns continue at San Onofre State Beach, where sand has been disappearing at an alarming rate. About 30 parking spots have been lost due to erosion from the recent swells, and this is something that park officials are closely monitoring.

Pause in Sand Replacement Project in San Clemente

In San Clemente, inclement weather and maintenance issues have caused a pause in the dredging operations for a sand replacement project. The city’s Coastal Administrator has stated that an update on when operations will resume will be announced as soon as possible.

Beach Safety and Weather Forecast

In light of the recent storm and ongoing clean up efforts, it is important to exercise caution when visiting the beach. Marine Safety Battalion Chief Trevor McDonald advises beachgoers to be cautious due to the sand erosion caused by the storm. Always check with a lifeguard if you have any questions about specific areas. As for the weather forecast, meteorologist Elizabeth Adams predicts a milder week ahead. There is a chance of rain overnight into the late morning on Wednesday, and a swell moving in later in the week will bring waves in the 4- to 7-foot range. While the high tides have subsided for now, there is a king tide event expected next week, which could potentially cause some flooding along the coastline.

In conclusion, the clean up efforts following the recent mega swell and storms in Southern California are underway. While the damage in our local region was not as severe as in other areas, there are still areas that require attention. It is important to exercise caution when visiting the beach and to stay updated on the weather forecast.

Read More: Following mega swell and storms, clean up in Southern California underway

https://phys.org/news/2024-01-mega-storms-southern-california-underway.html

FAQ’s

1. What areas were impacted by the recent mega swell and storms in Southern California?

While the damage in our local region was not as severe as in other areas, there were still areas that were impacted.

2. How was the Beach House restaurant in Seal Beach affected?

Sea water pushed up the sand and surrounded the building near the San Gabriel River, but the restaurant’s foundation prevented major flooding. Sandbags were quickly put in place and the restaurant has since reopened.

3. What clean up efforts are taking place at Doheny State Beach?

Crews are cleaning up the south parking lot and using heavy equipment to remove sand left behind by the coastal flooding.

4. Why has the sand replacement project in San Clemente been paused?

In San Clemente, inclement weather and maintenance issues have caused a pause in the dredging operations for the sand replacement project.

5. What precautions should beachgoers take in light of the recent storm and ongoing clean up efforts?

Beachgoers should exercise caution due to sand erosion caused by the storm and check with a lifeguard if they have any questions about specific areas. Additionally, they should stay updated on the weather forecast, as there is a chance of rain and a swell moving in later in the week.