High surf pounded the coast for a second day today, causing some street flooding, as an investigation was under way into the death of a surfer who perished in rough seas.
Surf generated by Hurricane Marie was continuing to build this morning along south-facing beaches and was expected to peak today, according to the National Weather Service. It will then slowly diminish through Friday but remain above high-surf criteria until then.
A high surf advisory will be in force until 1 a.m. Friday in Orange County but 6 p.m. in Los Angeles County.
“There is a potential for damaging and life-threatening surf across south- and southeast-facing of Los Angeles and Ventura counties,” the NWS said in a statement, adding that breakers of between 10 and 15 feet are possible.
“Surf this large will have the potential to cause structural damage and significant beach erosion,” the statement said, and low-lying areas risk some minor coastal flooding around high tide.
Street flooding has been reported in Long Beach and Seal Beach, where various efforts were under way today, including the building of a berm.
“In addition, very strong rip currents and long shore currents will likely create extremely dangerous and life-threatening conditions …,” according to the NWS statement.
In Malibu, a surfer was found unconscious late Tuesday morning and was pronounced dead at a hospital. The man was believed to be in his 50s.
Because of the surf, Portuguese Point, Sacred Cove and Inspiration Point are closed until Friday. The Malibu pier also has been closed down.
