# El Niño Threatens California Coast Again

> California faces severe coastal erosion risks from the 2026-27 El Niño, echoing the 1982-83 disaster.
- Title: El Niño Threatens California Coast Again · The Conversation
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: el nino, california, coastal erosion, pacific coast highway, santa monica pier, huntington beach pier, paradise cove pier, seal beach pier, san clemente pier, malibu pier, seawall, cliff collapse
- Source: The Conversation — https://theconversation.com/el-nino-is-threatening-californias-fragile-coast-again-the-1982-83-el-nino-opened-eyes-to-the-serious-erosion-risks-293298
- Author: Gary Griggs
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: el nino, california, coastal erosion, pacific coast highway, santa monica pier, huntington beach pier, paradise cove pier, seal beach pier, san clemente pier, malibu pier, seawall, cliff collapse
## 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.
## Key takeaway

The 2026-27 El Niño threatens California’s coast with erosion risks similar to the 1982-83 event that caused $328 million in damage.