High Surf Brings Dangerous Coastal Conditions To LA Beaches

LOS ANGELES, CA — Unusually powerful waves pounded much of the Southern California coast Wednesday, attracting throngs of surfers but also creating potentially dangerous conditions for beach-goers, with the hazardous conditions expected to linger for another day.

A high surf advisory will be in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday for Los Angeles County beaches, the Malibu Coast and Catalina Island, with the National Weather Service predicting large breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet — reaching 8 to 12 feet in the Malibu area. In Orange County, a beach hazards statement will be in effect through Thursday afternoon, with forecasters saying sets of up to 9 feet are possible on south-facing beaches.

Forecasters warned that rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea, while large waves can pull people off beaches and rocks, and potentially capsize small boats near the shoreline.

"The long period southerly swell responsible for large and hazardous surf will continue into Thursday, although slightly lower wave heights and periods are expected (Thursday)," according to the NWS. "A relative lull between swells is expected over the weekend, then another long period southerly swell from the Souhtern Hemisphere is forecast to arrive early next week, from a slightly more southwest direction (roughly 220 degrees).

"Additionally, large tides near 7.5 feet are predicted for Saturday through Tuesday. Although next week's southerly swell appears to have smaller significant wave heights, the combination of the longer period swell and the high tides may lead to minor to locally moderate coastal flooding for south exposed coasts."

Los Angeles County lifeguards advised anyone entering the water "to understand the risks and assess conditions by talking to a lifeguard before getting into the surf."

City News Service