((KTLA-TV)) |
LOS ANGELES (KTLA) -- County health officials are asking residents to be careful of swimming, surfing and playing in ocean waters through at least Tuesday.
The advisory was released Saturday morning after a quick overnight storm swept across the region, leaving roads slick and dropping as much as a half an inch of rain in the lowlands. As many as 31,000 people were left without power at the height of the storm, according to Southern California Edison.
"Bacteria, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to enter ocean water" through storm drains, creeks and rivers, leading to possible illness, county officials warned.
The advisory is in effect through 9 a.m. Tuesday and may be extended depending on further rainfall, officials said.
Parts of the beach that are a safe distance from storm drains are exempted.
"Fortunately, discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers only comprises a small portion of the beach, and therefore anybody who wants to go to the beach will be able to enjoy their outing," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, County Public Health Director and Health Officer.
Another small storm is expected to move in late Sunday night with heavy rain that could drop as much as 2-3" in the foothills and cause ponding in roadways.
The upcoming storm has also set off a winter storm watch in the L.A. County mountains until Monday afternoon and could leave as much as a foot of snow in elevations higher than 5500 feet.
Further information about the beach closure is available on the County's 24-hour hotline 1-800-525-5662.
The advisory was released Saturday morning after a quick overnight storm swept across the region, leaving roads slick and dropping as much as a half an inch of rain in the lowlands. As many as 31,000 people were left without power at the height of the storm, according to Southern California Edison.
"Bacteria, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas are likely to enter ocean water" through storm drains, creeks and rivers, leading to possible illness, county officials warned.
The advisory is in effect through 9 a.m. Tuesday and may be extended depending on further rainfall, officials said.
Parts of the beach that are a safe distance from storm drains are exempted.
"Fortunately, discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers only comprises a small portion of the beach, and therefore anybody who wants to go to the beach will be able to enjoy their outing," said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, County Public Health Director and Health Officer.
Another small storm is expected to move in late Sunday night with heavy rain that could drop as much as 2-3" in the foothills and cause ponding in roadways.
The upcoming storm has also set off a winter storm watch in the L.A. County mountains until Monday afternoon and could leave as much as a foot of snow in elevations higher than 5500 feet.
Further information about the beach closure is available on the County's 24-hour hotline 1-800-525-5662.
