Orange County yesterday declared a state of emergency, citing damage to coastal homes and infrastructure from Hurricane Marie, which brought large waves a few weeks ago. The declaration also prepares the region, including San Clemente, for a predicted Super El Niño storm season this winter. This move allows Orange County officials to request state and federal resources to both repair existing damage and assess future needs for coastal protection.
The declaration directly impacts coastal communities such as San Clemente, Dana Point, and Laguna Beach, where residents and infrastructure face ongoing threats from storm surges. Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley has urged Governor Gavin Newsom to issue a statewide emergency declaration for Orange County, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
According to Foley, the county's declaration followed Hurricane Marie's devastating impacts and was made in preparation for the El Niño storm system. She explained that the declaration is designed to free up resources, streamline permitting processes, and accelerate the ability to support cities and residents as they prepare for and confront future storm surges.
Foley underscored the critical need for immediate action, stating that with a super El Niño storm season approaching, it is imperative to act now to protect the coast and prepare for historic storms. She highlighted the importance of protecting the shoreline in Orange County, noting, "In Orange County, sand is infrastructure." She added that help is needed to accelerate sand replenishment and shoreline protection to safeguard homes, beaches, and infrastructure.
The declaration comes as the region reflects on the recent impacts of Hurricane Marie, which generated significant wave activity a few weeks ago, contributing to the damage observed along the coast. The anticipated Super El Niño is expected to bring even larger and more powerful storms, making proactive measures essential for the safety and stability of coastal properties and public spaces.
Despite the declared emergency and the looming threat of winter storms, the coast continues its daily rhythm. Today marks Finals Day for the World Surf League’s Lexus Trestles Pro. While the famed cobbled stone break of Lower Trestles is officially located in San Diego County, San Clemente claims it as its closest population center, a point of local pride for San Clementines. The event is currently seeing 2-3 foot waves, a stark contrast to the conditions that prompted the emergency declaration weeks prior and the larger waves anticipated in the coming months.
The state of emergency is a critical step for Orange County to marshal the necessary support to safeguard its vulnerable coastline. Local officials will now work to secure state and federal assistance to implement protective measures, including bolstering beaches and repairing any existing damage to infrastructure, aiming to protect the community from the severe weather forecast for the upcoming winter. The focus remains on accelerating efforts to protect homes, beaches, and vital infrastructure along the entire South Orange County coast.
