Hurricane Genevieve, one of the largest storms to hit the Eastern Pacific in years, was roaring in the Pacific Ocean far from land Monday evening.
Genevieve was briefly a Category 5 hurricane early Monday, the first in the East Pacific region in two years, the National Hurricane Center said. It was expected to stay far out to sea on a course roughly parallel with the Mexico coast. It's also expected to bring swells up to 11-feet off the San Diego coast and deadly rip currents across the Southern California coast this week.
Genevieve had maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (230 kph), according to the Miami-based hurricane center. Genevieve's center was located about 505 miles (810 kilometers) southwest of the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula and was headed northwest at 12 mph (19 kph).
The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement, lasting through Wednesday in Southern California. Officials warned of minor coastal flooding.
Low-lying beach areas can expect flooding of lots, parks, and roads. The swells are likely to bring dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Breaking waves can sweep people off jetties and docks, and into dangerous seas, the National Weather Service warned.
RELATED: Watch: Teen Lifeguard Battles Pounding Surf To Save Boy From Drowning
Additionally, a high surf advisory remains in effect from 5 p.m. Wednesday to 5 p.m. Saturday along Southern California beaches, and a Coastal Flood Advisory will be in effect Wednesday through Saturday afternoon.
For the High Surf Advisory, large 11-foot swells are expected in San Diego County and breaking waves of 5-8 feet with sets up to 9 feet on south-southwest facing beaches and 3-6 feet on west-facing beaches are expected in Orange and Los Angeles counties.
The hurricane center said that swells from the storm — likely causing "life-threatening surf and rip current conditions" — were affecting parts of Mexico's southwestern coast and the Baja California peninsula.
Genevieve was expected to fluctuate in intensity before weakening later in the week.
Farther northwest in the Pacific, Hurricane Fausto was downgraded to a tropical storm Monday evening as it continued on a path in the general direction of the Hawaiian Islands. Forecasters said Fausto is expected to pass north of Hawaii, but residents should still monitor the progress of the storm for impacts
Large surf and strong currents were increasing on east-facing shores along Hawaii's islands, the hurricane center said. Fausto had maximum sustained winds of 70 mph (110 kph). It was centered about 415 miles (670 kilometers) east-northeast of Hilo, Hawaii, and traveling west-northwest at 16 mph (26 kph).
More California News:
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Los Angeles Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.