Officials are forecasting weather with moderate risk levels to continue this week for Southern California’s coastal and inland regions.
The National Weather Service predicts that large seas and high surf with chances for strong rip currents and minor coastal flooding will continue through Friday for Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
“A large, long period west to northwest swell will bring high surf to area beaches, highest on west facing beaches, along with strong rip currents, strong long-shore currents and powerful breaking waves,” NWS wrote in an online release. “Use caution in or near the water, stay back from the water’s edge and never turn your back on the ocean.”
NWS issued a high surf advisory until 9 p.m. as experts predict swells between 10 and 15 feet on the Central Coast, about 7 to 11 feet in Ventura County (highest near Ventura Harbor), and about 5 to 8 feet in LA and Santa Barbara counties.
“There is an increased risk for ocean drowning,” said NWS. “Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.”