Southern California’s Orange County declared a local emergency Thursday after Hurricane Marie battered its coastline, damaging homes, eroding beaches and threatening public infrastructure.
Board of Supervisors Chair Doug Chaffee approved the proclamation while the board was not in session. Supervisors are expected to consider ratification at a special meeting next week.
The county’s Operational Area Emergency Operations Center remained activated at a low level, staffed by Orange County Sheriff’s Department emergency management personnel.
Officials warned that protective sand has been stripped from parts of the coast, leaving homes and infrastructure more vulnerable to future storms. Wastewater facilities, retaining walls and the coastal rail corridor between Orange and San Diego counties have been exposed or damaged.
Damage there began Aug. 28, when erosion undermined a home’s slab foundation after its deck was destroyed. Property owners were pursuing emergency permits from the California Coastal Commission to install boulder revetments behind homes.
“Most of us have never seen this much sand leave our beaches at once,” City Manager Dave Kiff said. “We expect it to come back, but we are not counting on it, and with a very strong El Niño forecast we need the ability to act quickly to protect homes, beaches and public infrastructure.”
The resolution authorizes activation of San Clemente’s emergency operations center at Level 3 or higher and directs officials to track storm-related expenses. The city’s declaration remains effective for 60 days unless replaced or extended.
The county proclamation says Hurricane Marie’s effects, combined with the prospect of El Niño conditions this winter, could exceed local response capabilities. County officials asked residents to monitor county social media accounts and local news for updates.
