LONG BEACH (CNS) - Officials at some south-facing beaches are taking precautions against flooding this weekend, as Hurricane Sergio is creating unusually high surf along the Southern California coast.
A high surf advisory issued by the National Weather Service is in effect until 5 p.m. Sunday. Forecaster said surf of 4 to 7 feet with local sets to 9 feet will affect south-facing beaches through Sunday afternoon, peaking Saturday morning.
The weather agency warned of strong and dangerous rip currents during this event. Swimmers caught in a rip current are advised to relax and float, and to avoid swimming against the current. If able, they should swim in a direction following the shoreline. If they are unable to escape, they should face the shore and call or wave for help.
In Long Beach, walls of sand and plywood were put up overnight.
Meanwhile, Orange County Fire Authority firefighters helped to create berms in Seal Beach, where minor flooding took place Friday.
The agency's bulldozer was out at the south side of the city's pier, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said.
“They're anticipating two high tides Friday at 7 p.m. and tomorrow at 8 a.m.,” Concialdi said. “The risk is greatest an hour or before or after the predicted high tide.”
The agency's bulldozer was helping the city's public works and marine safety crews, Concialdi said.
Minor coastal flooding and beach erosion is possible near times of high tide. Los Angeles Harbor was expected to see a high tide near 6 feet around 8:15 p.m. Saturday.
Forecasters said the surf and swell would subside some by Sunday, but another high surf event is expected to affect south-facing beaches Tuesday through Thursday of next week.
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