High Surf Advisory Warns of Sneaker Waves

High surf again will pound the Southland Coast today, creating risks of drowning for swimmers and possibly causing minor flooding, forecasters said.

Surf of between 6 and 10 feet with maximum sets of 12 feet is expected along the L.A. County coast, while surf of between 3 and 8 feet is forecast for Orange County, with the highest surf expected north of Newport Beach, according to the National Weather Service. A high surf advisory will be in effect in both counties until 5 p.m.

“The large surf may cause minor beach erosion and strong rip currents that will create a risk of ocean drowning,” according to an NWS statement. “Sneaker waves can suddenly overrun previously dry beaches and jetties. Minor coastal flooding is possible around times of high tide for low-lying areas such as beach parking lots.”

In February, an 18-year-old was killed when he was swept off the rocks by a sneaker wave in Laguna Beach

The NWS statement urged beach-goers to swim near a lifeguard and, if caught in a rip current, to swim parallel to shore until able to break free.

Also expected today is drizzle early this morning and a slight chance of rain in the afternoon, according to the NWS. Highs again will reach the mid 60s.

The NWS forecast highs today of 56 on Mount Wilson; 60 in Avalon, Lancaster and Palmdale; 61 in Saugus and at LAX; 62 in Pasadena, Burbank, Long Beach, San Clemente and Laguna Beach; 63 in downtown L.A., San Gabriel, Woodland Hills and Newport Beach; 64 in Fullerton, Mission Viejo and Irvine; and 65 in Anaheim and Yorba Linda. Wednesday’s temperatures under partly cloudy skies will be slightly higher in some communities.

City News Service