【ANN NEWS Los Angeles】 Beachgoers planning to head to the coast over the Labor Day long weekend should exercise extra caution. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued its latest warning on Sept. 4, saying south swells generated by Hurricane Marie will bring dangerous high surf and strong rip currents to several Southern California beaches this weekend, with waves reaching up to 10 feet in some areas.
According to the latest forecast from the NWS Los Angeles office, surf at south-facing beaches in Los Angeles and Ventura counties is expected to increase significantly beginning Saturday, peaking Sunday and Monday. Waves will generally reach about 5 to 8 feet, with localized sets as high as 10 feet. A High Surf Advisory will be in effect from 6 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, through 11 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8.
The high surf will primarily be generated by Hurricane Marie, currently over the Pacific Ocean. Although Marie is not expected to directly strike Southern California, large southeast-to-south swells generated by the hurricane will reach the Southern California coast over the Labor Day long weekend.
Weather officials warned that the high surf will also bring dangerous and potentially life-threatening rip currents, with south-facing beaches facing the greatest risk. Meanwhile, tides will gradually rise this weekend, and the combination of high surf and high tides could cause seawater inundation and beach erosion in some low-lying coastal areas, including Malibu, Ventura and Catalina Island.
The NWS advised people planning to visit the beach over the Labor Day long weekend to swim at beaches with lifeguards whenever possible and follow instructions from lifeguards and local officials. Visitors should avoid standing on rocks, jetties and other areas vulnerable to sudden large waves, while weaker swimmers in particular should avoid entering the water in hazardous conditions.
The High Surf Advisory is currently expected to remain in effect through Tuesday evening. Those planning to spend the long weekend at Southern California beaches should closely monitor the latest ocean conditions and official alerts.
