A moderate southerly swell will begin generating high surf and dangerous rip currents along Southern California’s coast today — threats that will persist through Monday, forecasters said.
Minor coastal flooding is also possible and may occur during evening high tides between Saturday and Monday, the National Weather Service forecasters said.
A high surf advisory will be in effect in Los Angeles County until 6 p.m. Monday. A less severe beaches hazard statement will be in force in Orange County until Monday night.
“There is a high risk of rip currents on all area beaches today and tonight,” an NWS statement said, adding that the risk will recur Sunday and Monday. It added that breakers of 4 to 7 feet are likely this weekend.
“While this upcoming surf event will not be nearly as powerful as the one produced by former Hurricane Marie, it will bring a high risk of rip currents, sneaker waves and has the potential to cause additional beach erosion,” the NWS said.
In Los Angeles County, the most heavily affected stretch of coast will involve beaches from Long Beach through the Palos Verdes Peninsula, including Cabrillo Beach and Point Fermin, as well as Malibu and Zuma beaches.
“The large surf and strong rip currents will create dangerous swimming and surfing conditions,” warned an NWS statement. “Sneaker waves can bring unexpectedly large waves across rocks and jetties and suddenly inundate beaches.”
Under partly cloudy skies, temperatures will stay warm. The NWS forecast highs today of 72 in San Clemente; 76 in Newport Beach and at LAX; 77 in Avalon; 79 in Laguna Beach; 81 in Long Beach; 82 in downtown L.A.; 84 on Mount Wilson; 85 in Burbank, San Gabriel, Anaheim and Irvine; 86 in Yorba Linda and Mission Viejo; 87 in Pasadena and Fullerton; 91 in Saugus and Woodland Hills; 96 in Palmdale and Lancaster.
