(Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) |
LOS ANGELES -- Big waves from a Southern Hemisphere storm are hitting Southern California's south facing beaches.
The swells, formed by a large storm near New Zealand, were expected to generate waves with faces of up to eight feet in height along south-facing beaches in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles and Ventura counties, according to forecasters.
Large surf is expected to continue through Tuesday before tapering off. A high surf advisory is in effect through Tuesday.
The higher-than-normal surf has prompted public warnings from surf experts and lifeguards.
This south swell is especially dangerous for novice beachgoers because of the long lulls between the large sets of waves. Then, a series of large waves will sweep over previously dry areas, according to surf forecasters.
The situation can pose a danger to unsuspecting people who may be walking on steep beaches, exploring tidepools, standing in rocky areas or fishing from jetties or breakwaters.
Strong rip currents were reported Monday from Venice Beach to Santa Monica. The waves were said to be 6-to-8-feet high in some areas.
The swell was expected to be largest at south facing beaches in San Diego and Orange Counties.
Lifeguards recommend anyone caught in such a current to not panic or try to fight it. Instead, relax and begin to swim parallel to shore until out of the current and then head back to land.
All towers at L.A. County beaches were posting lifeguards, and patrols were out in full force in beach vehicles and rescue boats.
The swell was expected to create the typical summer spectacle at the Wedge, next to the mouth of the Newport Harbor. Some sets could reach 15 feet there.
The beaches in the Santa Monica Bay will be sheltered from the biggest waves by Palos Verdes Peninsula.
The swells, formed by a large storm near New Zealand, were expected to generate waves with faces of up to eight feet in height along south-facing beaches in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles and Ventura counties, according to forecasters.
Large surf is expected to continue through Tuesday before tapering off. A high surf advisory is in effect through Tuesday.
The higher-than-normal surf has prompted public warnings from surf experts and lifeguards.
This south swell is especially dangerous for novice beachgoers because of the long lulls between the large sets of waves. Then, a series of large waves will sweep over previously dry areas, according to surf forecasters.
The situation can pose a danger to unsuspecting people who may be walking on steep beaches, exploring tidepools, standing in rocky areas or fishing from jetties or breakwaters.
Strong rip currents were reported Monday from Venice Beach to Santa Monica. The waves were said to be 6-to-8-feet high in some areas.
The swell was expected to be largest at south facing beaches in San Diego and Orange Counties.
Lifeguards recommend anyone caught in such a current to not panic or try to fight it. Instead, relax and begin to swim parallel to shore until out of the current and then head back to land.
All towers at L.A. County beaches were posting lifeguards, and patrols were out in full force in beach vehicles and rescue boats.
The swell was expected to create the typical summer spectacle at the Wedge, next to the mouth of the Newport Harbor. Some sets could reach 15 feet there.
The beaches in the Santa Monica Bay will be sheltered from the biggest waves by Palos Verdes Peninsula.
