Conditions described here were accurate only as of the date shown and may have changed. This is not a substitute for current official information from the agency with jurisdiction. See the full notice. Full notice.
Long-Period South Swell and High Tides Bring Beach Hazards to Southern California
Surf of 3 to 5 feet with sets to 6 in San Diego and Orange counties, plus rip currents and minor tidal flooding from Ventura to the border, through 2 p.m. Thursday.
The National Weather Service has beach hazards statements in effect for the Southern California coast through 2 p.m. Thursday, October 15, as a long-period south swell lines up with some of the year's higher tides.
In San Diego and Orange counties, the San Diego office expects surf of 3 to 5 feet with sets to 6 feet and high tides of 6.5 to 7 feet late this morning, bringing minor coastal flooding, beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions for inexperienced swimmers. Tides fall below 6.5 feet after today's high, but the south swell continues today.
From the Ventura County beaches through Malibu and the Los Angeles County beaches, the Los Angeles office warns of minor tidal overflow around the 6.4-foot morning high tide, elevated surf and dangerous rip currents that can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore.
Expect water in low-lying beach parking lots and harbor areas around the high tide. The Weather Service's advice: stay near occupied lifeguard towers, stay off rock jetties, and do not drive through water of unknown depth or around barricades.
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