Long Beach rushes to rebuild sand barriers as Hurricane Genevieve fuels giant waves

In response to unusually high surf driven by Hurricane Genevieve, Long Beach is constructing a massive sand wall to guard against rising tides along its beachfront. Video shows crews using bulldozers to build berms, only to see waves quickly wash away the fresh sand, forcing constant repairs. Overnight, about 40 yards of the protective barrier were rebuilt after the surf breached the line and toppled plywood sections meant to shield vulnerable homes on the Peninsula between 62nd and 69th Place.

Marine Safety Chief Gonzalo Medina explained that the city is implementing its regular storm-readiness procedures, though he cautioned that the sea can overrule any plan. Scientists link the heightened risk to El Niño-driven sea-level rise, and while offshore breakwaters and Catalina Island help absorb some wave energy, lifeguards continue to warn swimmers of dangerous conditions. The effort underscores growing concerns about repeated coastal flooding in Southern California.