LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Large southerly swells generated by the remnants of Hurricane Rosa will churn the Southland's coastal waters today, whipping up high surf and dangerous rip currents along south-facing beaches in L.A., Orange and San Diego County, and creating perilous conditions for swimmers and surfers, the National Weather Service reported.
The surf will build to 6 to 10 feet with local sets of 12 feet in L.A. County by early this morning, then slowly subside late tonight into early Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the NWS monitoring station in Oxnard
“Surf will be highest on exposed south-facing beaches. Strong rip currents will likely linger into Tuesday,” it said.
High tides of between 5 and 5.5 feet are forecast to occur during the early afternoon today and Tuesday, according to the NWS. At some beaches, rip currents could increase during and slightly after tidal run-up on beaches.
“There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Dangerous rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea,” warned the statement. “Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore.”
Additionally, minor coastal flooding is possible over low-lying coastal areas such as beach parking lots and harbor walkways, mainly around the time of high tide.
In Orange County, surf of 5 to 8 feet will pound the coast, with occasional sets of 9 to 10 feet. Strong rip currents will occur, warned a statement released by the NWS monitoring station in San Diego.
Beachgoers were urged to swim only near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float rather than swim against the current. If able, swim along the shoreline.
“If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help,” the statement urged.
High surf and dangerous currents will also affect the coastline of San Diego County, where surf of 3 to 5 feet and sets of up to 7 feet will hit south-facing beaches, accompanied by “strong long shore currents and rip currents.”
A beach hazard statement, which is slightly less serious than a high surf advisory, will be in effect though tonight in San Diego county.
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