Beach Hazards Statement Issued: Dangerous Conditions Expected

A Beach Hazards Statement has been issued by the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard CA, effective from Tuesday afternoon, October 6th, through Friday evening, October 9th. Residents and visitors are advised to remain out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions or to stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, and individuals should stay off these structures.

The affected areas include Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, Ventura County Beaches, Malibu Coast, and Los Angeles County Beaches. Elevated surf of 3 to 6 feet is expected, leading to dangerous rip currents and breaking waves. Abnormally high morning and evening tides of 6.5 to 7 feet are also anticipated. Most susceptible areas will be Long Beach and Avalon Harbor on Tuesday and Wednesday, then Malibu to Ventura from Wednesday through Friday.

Impacts include an increased risk of ocean drowning, with rip currents capable of pulling swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats nearshore. Moderate flooding of seawater is possible over some vulnerable low-lying coastal areas, particularly around morning and evening high tides, affecting beach parking lots, bike paths, and harbor walkways. Moderate beach erosion is also possible to likely. The National Weather Service indicates a moderate chance of an upgrade to a Coastal Flood Advisory and/or High Surf Advisory, which may extend into the weekend.