Health officials are warning beachgoers to stay out of runoff-polluted ocean water, storm drains, creeks and rivers.
That’s because bacteria, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from streets and mountains are likely to enter ocean waters through those outlets, said Dr. Jeffery Gunzenhauser, Los Angeles County’s interim health officer.
Gunzenhauser noted in a statement that discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers “only comprise a small portion of the beach … (so) anybody who wants to go to the beach will still be able to enjoy their outing.”
The county’s beach advisory will be in effect until at least 7 a.m. Friday and could be extended, depending on rainfall. More information is available on the county’s beach hotline, (800) 525-5662, or on the website www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/beach.
The seasonal rainfall total so far is about 3.9 inches, about 1 inch above the norm for this time of year, and forecasters expect about 1 inch to fall in the Los Angeles Basin in the current storm.
The National Weather Service warned of high surf and strong rip currents, issuing a high surf advisory until 7 p.m. Wednesday in Los Angeles County and until noon Wednesday in Orange County.
With the swell out of the west, the surf will be running 6-9 feet, with water temperatures ranging from 60-65 degrees. Some sets could be up to 12 feet.
