From The Conversation · Gary Griggs · · 1m 30s
El Niño Threatens California Coast Again
California faces severe coastal erosion risks from the 2026-27 El Niño, echoing the 1982-83 disaster.
In brief
California faces severe coastal erosion risks from the 2026-27 El Niño, echoing the 1982-83 disaster. The 2026-27 El Niño threatens California’s coast with erosion risks similar to the 1982-83 event that caused $328 million in damage. Originally reported by The Conversation.
El Niño's coastal impact
Storm waves eroded dunes beneath homes in Pajaro Dunes, Calif., during the 1982-83 El Niño.
1982-83 El Niño damage
The event caused $328 million in property damage, $87 million in recreational facility losses, and $66 million in engineering structure damage.
Coastal erosion risks
Elevated sea levels and powerful waves destroyed one-third of Santa Monica Pier and damaged multiple piers along California’s coast.
1978 wake-up call
The 1978 El Niño raised concerns about coastal development risks, leading to stricter building regulations.
2026-27 El Niño forecast
The current El Niño is expected to be one of the strongest on record, causing severe coastal erosion risks.
Economic impact
The 2022-23 El Niño caused $4.7 billion in economic losses along California’s coast.
Coastal vulnerability
California’s coastal development from the 1940s to 1970s left communities exposed to erosion risks.
Erosion consequences
Coastal communities face rising sea levels, landslides, and erosion as climate change intensifies.
2026-27 response
Communities are preparing for erosion but face limits on effective long-term solutions.
Future risks
Coastal communities may need to retreat from the coast as erosion and flooding become more severe.
The one thing
The 2026-27 El Niño threatens California’s coast with erosion risks similar to the 1982-83 event that caused $328 million in damage.
