Public Safety
Hurricane Rachel swell prompts Southern California beach alerts
Forecasters warn of dangerous rip currents, elevated surf and possible coastal flooding from Tuesday afternoon through Friday evening.
The National Weather Service issued a beach hazards statement for Orange and San Diego County coastal areas as a southerly swell from Hurricane Rachel approaches Southern California. The alert runs from Tuesday afternoon, October 6, through Friday evening, October 9.
Surf, tides and rip-current risk
Surf of 3 to 6 feet is expected at south- and southwest-facing beaches. High tides are forecast to peak between 6.5 and 7 feet during mornings and evenings, creating a risk of minor coastal flooding, beach erosion and dangerous rip currents.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the swell is expected to affect the coast from Santa Barbara to San Diego. Forecasters said Long Beach and Avalon Harbor may be most susceptible Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by Malibu and Ventura from Wednesday through Friday.
The Weather Service advised people to stay out of the water during hazardous conditions or remain near staffed lifeguard towers, and to stay off rock jetties. Officials said a coastal flood advisory or high surf advisory may become necessary, and the hazard period could extend into the weekend.
Read the original reporting: San Francisco Chronicle →
Read the official alert: National Weather Service →