Rain, mud and dangerous surf hit Malibu; Beaches temporarily closed due to lightning

By The Malibu Times · Sun Sep 06 2026

Malibu Chili Cook-Off cancels Sunday festivities as thunderstorms, flooding concerns and hazardous ocean conditions impact the coast

A rare round of September rain brought wet and muddy conditions to Malibu on Sunday, Sept. 6, prompting the Malibu Chili Cook-Off to cancel its Sunday festivities as thunderstorms, flooding concerns, lightning and dangerous surf impacted the coast. By late Sunday afternoon, conditions prompted officials to temporarily close Malibu beaches. At approximately 4:25 p.m., the Los Angeles County Fire Department reported that beaches in Malibu were temporarily closed due to lightning. Beachgoers were instructed to follow directions from Los Angeles County lifeguards, Fire Department personnel and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies.

The closure added another hazard to an already unusual Labor Day weekend weather event along the Malibu coast. The National Weather Service issued a Flood Advisory Sunday morning for portions of western Los Angeles County, including eastern Malibu and areas within the Franklin and Palisades fire burn scars.

Between a quarter- and half-inch of rain had fallen in portions of the advisory area by late Sunday morning. Forecasters warned that additional rainfall could result in minor flooding, water and rocks on roadways and the potential for minor debris flows in recently burned areas.

The weather also took a toll on one of Malibu’s biggest Labor Day weekend traditions.

The Malibu Chili Cook-Off canceled its Sunday event due to rain and muddy conditions at the event grounds. The annual Labor Day weekend celebration features carnival rides, games, food, entertainment and its signature chili competition.

The rain comes as Malibu experiences an unusual combination of tropical moisture, thunderstorms and hazardous ocean conditions associated with Hurricane Marie, which remains well offshore in the Pacific.

Along the Malibu coast, conditions have been particularly dangerous. The National Weather Service issued a High Surf Advisory and Coastal Flood Advisory, along with warnings of a high risk of dangerous and potentially life-threatening rip currents.

Surf along the Malibu coastline was expected to reach 5 to 8 feet, with some sets potentially reaching 10 feet. Powerful waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, while strong rip currents can quickly pull swimmers and surfers away from shore.

The National Hurricane Center reported Sunday that Hurricane Marie would continue generating swells capable of producing dangerous beach conditions along portions of the Southern California coast for the next several days.

The combination of large waves, elevated tides and powerful surf could also produce minor coastal flooding and beach erosion in vulnerable areas.

Sunday’s rainfall presents additional concerns in Malibu’s recent burn areas, where hillsides remain vulnerable following the Palisades and Franklin fires. Motorists are urged to watch for standing water, mud, rocks and other debris on canyon roads and Pacific Coast Highway and never attempt to drive through flooded roadways.

With thunderstorms continuing into Sunday afternoon and lightning forcing the temporary closure of Malibu beaches, officials are urging residents and visitors to remain alert and follow all instructions from lifeguards and emergency personnel.

Weather conditions are expected to improve, but hazardous ocean conditions could persist after the rain ends.