Hurricane Polo Has Sent Swells to California Coast

Large swells and high tides have prompted a coastal flood advisory for the Monterey Bay area.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Forecasts

Hurricane Polo Has Sent Swells to California Coast

Live Poll

Is now a good time to review your local emergency flood plans for the coast?

Hurricane Polo has generated powerful swells currently traveling across the Pacific toward Southern California. These conditions coincide with high tides, raising the risk of coastal flooding through the middle of the week.

Why it matters

Tropical systems like Hurricane Polo create hazardous ocean conditions as swells travel long distances, significantly increasing the risk of inundation for vulnerable coastal infrastructure.

Forecasters expect inundation of up to 1.2 feet above ground level, with breaking waves reaching 4 to 7 feet. These conditions follow recent high humidity in the Coachella Valley and destructive coastal flooding events from Hurricane Marie.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for providing weather forecasts, warnings, and hazard advisories to protect life and property.

The details

Powerful swells from Hurricane Polo are expected to impact the California coast Monday and Tuesday as the system approaches the Baja California Peninsula. Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Rachel is gathering strength in the eastern Pacific, with further coastal impacts potentially arriving after Oct. 4.

Monday and Tuesday: Swells impact the Southern California coast.
Monday: Hurricane Polo approaches the Baja California Peninsula.
Monday through Thursday: Increased flooding risk along coastal areas.
After Oct. 4: Possible impacts from Tropical Storm Rachel.

Seasonal Patterns

This event follows a pattern set by the 2014 Hurricane Marie high-surf event, as tropical systems continue to pose significant challenges to California coastal infrastructure. The convergence of El Niño-enhanced tides and tropical swells mirrors historical precedents for major coastal flooding.

Residents in the Monterey Bay area and other coastal regions should monitor local weather alerts for updated flood warnings. Caution is advised for anyone visiting the coast, where breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet may create hazardous conditions for swimmers and beachgoers.

The takeaway

Travelers and residents near the water should avoid coastal areas during peak tide windows through Thursday to minimize risk. Keeping a safe distance from the shoreline is essential as heavy swells create unpredictable and dangerous surf conditions.