Remnants of Hurricane Marie have severely impacted Malibu, leading to a sinkhole beneath a multimillion-dollar beachfront property and red-tagging of several homes.
On September 9, 2026, Malibu officials confirmed that the remnants of Hurricane Marie caused significant damage to coastal properties, most notably creating a sinkhole beneath a multimillion-dollar beachfront home. This alarming development was reported by Deadline, detailing how high tides and strong waves from the storm have wreaked havoc on multiple properties in the area.
The sinkhole emerged along Sea Level Drive East in the exclusive Point Lechuza community, where the house remains upright on pilings but has lost its driveway. Portions of the surrounding street have also collapsed into the ocean, showcasing the storm's destructive force. Photos from the scene display the precarious state of the property, which had to be evacuated, with the driveway completely eroded, leading to a rupture of a gas main. The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded early that morning, ensuring safety measures were enacted when the home was found unoccupied.
In addition to Malibu, areas like Pacific Palisades and Dana Point have faced similar challenges. Five homes in Malibu have been red-tagged, indicating they are unsafe for entry. In Dana Point, multiple high-end homes were also deemed uninhabitable due to foundational damage caused by the storm's high waves.
Malibu's Building Safety Division is currently working alongside the Southern California Gas Company to evaluate the situation and check for further safety concerns throughout the community. City officials have emphasized their commitment to monitor the impacts of coastal erosion, particularly with storm threats expected to persist.
"We are coordinating actions with local agencies to address the ongoing risks posed by high tides and potential coastal erosion," stated a city representative. This proactive stance indicates an awareness of the persistent vulnerabilities of beachfront properties, especially following significant rainfall and unseasonable weather.
The storm brought not only high surf but also unseasonable rain to the Los Angeles area, resulting in localized flooding and prompting evacuations in affected neighborhoods such as Long Beach. Flooding reports indicated that seawater inundated homes and streets as significant tides and waves crashed ashore. Approximately 20 properties faced evacuation orders due to compromised seawalls and damages, highlighting the direct impact of natural disasters on coastal infrastructure.
Experts have warned that this season's patterns may only exacerbate problems come winter, with La Niña conditions potentially increasing the severity of storms and coastal erosion risks along California's shores. Malibu officials are currently preparing for such prospects as they brace for more storm activity.
The immediate implications for Malibu and neighboring coastal communities include ongoing monitoring by local authorities and necessary repairs for damaged infrastructure. While response teams work to stabilize affected areas, residents are facing uncertainties regarding the future safety and integrity of their properties. Officials emphasize the need for heightened awareness of coastal risks, particularly as climate change continues to influence weather patterns and sea-level conditions. Moreover, discussions around emergency preparedness and local policies may gain traction as communities assess their vulnerabilities in the wake of Hurricane Marie's impact.
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