California braces for tropical storm 'Marie'

Southern California is under watch for a potential tropical cyclone, currently named 'Marie,' developing in the Pacific Ocean. San Bernardino County officials have joined the National Weather Service in monitoring the storm, which could influence the region over Labor Day weekend. Forecast models indicate two possible paths: a primary route out to sea or a less likely northern trajectory that could affect areas between San Diego and Los Angeles counties.

If the storm takes a more northerly path, residents could experience showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms from Saturday into the following Monday. Coastal flooding is a concern due to expected high tides, and tropical swells may reach the coast on Saturday or Sunday. While specific rainfall totals are not yet clear, tropical moisture could still reach Southern California. Historically, no hurricane has made a direct landfall in California, though some have come close.