More high surf, dangerous rip currents expected at SoCal beaches through weekend
VENTURA, Calif. (KABC) -- Large waves will continue to pound the Southern California coast into the weekend, raising the risk of flooding while creating dangerous conditions for anyone entering the ocean water.
National Weather Service forecasters said there were reports of waves reaching 16 feet in Los Angeles County Thursday.
Streets along Ventura's beach communities were hit with several feet of water, leaving multiple vehicles stranded. Lifeguards had to perform multiple rescues, in most cases of people who had gathered to watch the big waves from the sand but were caught up unexpectedly in them.
One video showed bystanders pulling a lifeguard out of the water with his arms after he apparently became exhausted trying to fight the powerful tow. Another video showed a massive rogue wave breaching a low wall in Ventura, sending onlookers fleeing and sweeping up several of them in water. Officials say eight people were treated at local hospitals for injuries.
People who live in affected communities can't recall seeing waves this size at least in the recent past.
"The waves were big," said Ventura resident Brian Scott. "I mean, I'm a water guy. I sail, scuba dive. These were 15+ foot waves this morning at high tide. Never seen that. We've been here for 10 years."
Javier Cedillo captured a different angle of the giant waves coming in near his home.
"It was like the Japanese tsunami that happened a couple of years ago," he said. "Normally, you would see the tide come in and the tide goes out nice and smoothly, and this one it came in smoothly but it just kept coming."
Ventura County fire officials said the first floor of a hotel was damaged and said it currently has no utilities. There are no guests currently staying there.
A high surf advisory that had been issued for L.A. County beaches until 10 p.m. Saturday was upgraded to a high surf warning, with waves of 8 to 13 feet anticipated, and some isolated sets possibly reaching 20 feet.
Why is Southern California seeing massive waves? Dallas Raines explains
"These are forecast to be extremely dangerous conditions, as powerful waves and life-threatening rip currents pose an exceptional risk of ocean drowning and damage to coastal structures such as piers and jetties," according to the NWS. "Impacts will only slightly lessen into Friday -- before an additional strong wave front arrives from the NW, reinforcing extremely dangerous conditions at the beaches again on Saturday."
Forecasters said the highest surf is anticipated at west-facing beaches such as Hermosa, Manhattan and Palos Verdes.
A coastal flooding advisory will also be in effect until 10 p.m. Saturday for Los Angeles County beaches, including the Malibu coast and Catalina Island.
"Flooding of sea water is likely, around the time of high tide, over vulnerable low-lying coastal areas such as parking lots, beaches, and walkways," according to the NWS. "Significant damage to roads or structures is NOT expected. There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore."
In Orange County, a high surf warning and coastal flood advisory will be in effect until 2 a.m. Monday. Forecasters said Orange County beaches will see waves of 6 to 12 feet, with sets of up to 15 feet in northern Orange County.
Forecasters said the area could receive some light to moderate rain Friday night into Saturday, and there's a chance of some light rain Sunday. According to the NWS, there is a "slight chance of light rain in Pasadena on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day," when the Rose Parade will make its way along Colorado Boulevard.
What beaches and piers are closed?
The following beaches, harbors and public facilities will be closed through Dec. 31.
City of Ventura
- Ventura Pier
- All city of Ventura public beaches
City of Oxnard
- All City of Oxnard public beaches
City of Port Hueneme
- Port Hueneme Pier
County parks
- Faria Beach
- Hobson Beach
- Rincon Parkway RV Area
- Kiddy Beach
- Silverstrand Beach
- Hollywood by the Sea
California state parks
- Ventura State Beach
- McGrath State Beach
- Mandalay State Beach
- San Buenaventura State Beach
- Emma Wood Campground
Harbors
- Channel Islands Harbor entry
- Ventura Harbor entry
Where can I get sandbags?
If you live in the city of Oxnard, you can pick up sandbags at City Corporate Yard, located at 1060 Pacific Ave. They'll be open until 5 p.m. on Friday. If you have any questions, call 805-385-7950.
If you live in the city of Ventura, you can pick up sandbags at the following locations:
- Ventura - Marina Park - 2950 Pierpont Blvd, Ventura, 93001
- Ventura - Ventura County Fairgrounds - 10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura, 93001
- Ventura - Fire Station 25 - 5674 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ventura, 93001
City News Service contributed to this report.
