Hurricane Marie to Cause Dangerously High Surf and Waves in Southern California

A high surf advisory was issued for a number of Southern California beaches on Tuesday, and warned that potential breakers of 10 to 15 feet may cause the largest -- and most dangerous -- surf seen in recent years in some areas. The large swells and strong surf creates a potential for rip currents and long shore currents, which could create life-threatening situations for beachgoers.

The surf in the areas of Los Angeles Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and Orange County beaches is expected to increase rapidly on Tuesday, with the intense breakers continuing to peak on Wednesday. Areas around Los Angeles and Ventura County beaches are expected to see the most dangerous swimming conditions.

The unsafe swimming and surfing conditions are being caused by Hurricane Marie, which is located near Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The federal forecastors' advisory is in place from Tuesday until 6 p.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service. 

Southern California coastal areas are preparing for the offshoot of the storm, and the possible flooding that could come from big and potentially damaging surf, by filling sandbags and building up the area around the beaches. The city of Long Beach is also making sandbags available to residents of its peninsula area.

The rough waters will begin to diminish after Wednesday, and will remain dangerous until Friday, but if the storm changes directions, the potential for rare high surf in Santa Barbara County will become a threat, as will south and southeast-facing shores. 

“Very strong rip currents and long shore currents will likely create extremely dangerous and life threatening conditions for anyone,” the high surf advisory stated. “Surf this large will have the potential to cause structural damage and significant beach erosion.”

According to the advisory, all swimmers were advised to stay out of the ocean, and beachgoers should not climb on rocks and other structures that extend out to sea, because the strong waves could “suddenly inundate beaches” and knock climbers into the water, the weather service stated.

If caught in a rip current, swimmers should swim parallel to the shore until free of the current then back to the beach and exit the water, according to the National Weather Service.