High Surf, Strong Rip Currents To Pound Long Beach Coast

LONG BEACH, CA – High surf will pound the beaches in Los Angeles and Orange counties from Wednesday evening through Friday night, and strong rip currents will threaten swimmers and surfers, forecasters said.

A beach hazards statement, which is a only slightly less serious than a high surf advisory, will be in force from Wednesday evening through Friday evening in both counties, and elevated surf of 3-6 feet is expected at south-facing beaches in L.A. County during that time, they said

"There is an increased risk of ocean drowning," warned a National Weather Service statement. "Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Sneaker waves can suddenly wash people off of beaches and rock jetties.

"Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help."

A beach Hazards statement was also issued for Orange County, where surf of 4-6 feet is expected, according to the National Weather Service..

The NWS forecast partly cloudy skies in L.A. County Wednesday and highs of 79 at LAX; 80 in Avalon; 85 in Downtown L.A., Long Beach and on Mount Wilson; 89 in San Gabriel and Burbank; 92 in Pasadena; 95 in Saugus and Woodland Hills; and 100 in Palmdale and Lancaster.

Sunny skies were forecast in Orange County, along with highs of 73 in San Clemente; 77 in Newport Beach; 78 in Laguna Beach; 84 in Irvine; 85 in Anaheim; 86 in Fullerton and Mission Viejo; and 88 in Yorba Linda.

Even though a warming trend had been expected, Thursday's temperatures will be about the same and marginally higher Friday.

City News Service contributed to this post; (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)