NWS Extends Beach Hazards Statement for LA County Through Tuesday Noon
Surf is expected to reach six feet by Monday, increasing the risk of rip currents and coastal flooding across six specific coastal zones.
By Lucas Sheridan ·
The National Weather Service issued an updated beach hazards statement for Los Angeles County beaches at 1:39 a.m. on Friday. The alert remains active until 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10. This update covers a wide swath of the region, including Malibu, the Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, and the coasts of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
Forecasters predict elevated surf conditions with waves ranging from 4 to 6 feet. The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office notes that surf conditions are likely to worsen around Monday for the Ventura Coasts. High tides are projected to reach between 7.2 and 7.6 feet relative to mean lower low water each morning during this period.
The agency warns that the risk of ocean drowning increases during these conditions. Rip currents may pull swimmers and surfers out to sea, while breaking waves can wash people off beaches and rocks. Small boats near the shore face a higher chance of capsizing. Additionally, sea water may pool in beach and harbor areas during high tide, a condition uncommon with normal tidal ranges. Enhanced beach erosion is also possible.
Officials anticipate that a High Surf Advisory and Coastal Flood Advisory will likely be issued for the Ventura Coasts on Monday. For the remainder of the affected coasts, a Coastal Flood Advisory may also become necessary on that date. The statement advises the public to remain out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions. If individuals do enter the surf, they should stay near occupied lifeguard towers.
The NWS specifically warns against using rock jetties, which can be deadly in such conditions. The service urges people to stay off the rocks. This advisory follows the initial issuance on Friday and provides a specific timeline for the peak of the surf and coastal flooding impacts.
The full list of affected locations includes the Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, Malibu, Los Angeles County Beaches, the Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast, the Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast, and Ventura County Beaches. The NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office will continue to monitor the situation as the weather system progresses through the weekend.
