Hurricane Rosa is roaring toward Southern California, and could bring big surf to the coast starting Sunday.
The National Weather Service put out a beach hazard statement that will be in effect starting Sunday morning and lasting through Tuesday afternoon from Los Angeles and through Orange County and San Diego.
The swell will peak Monday and decrease through Monday night and Tuesday.
The hurricane is mixing with a south swell, according to Surfline.com. By Tuesday, waves will drop to 4 to 5 feet, and 3 to 4 feet by Wednesday.
There is an increased risk of ocean drowning from high surf and strong rip currents. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can wash people off jetties and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.
Waves in the Orange County area will be in the 5-to-8-foot range, with occasional sets reaching up to 10 feet, according to the National Weather Service.
“The swell direction will favor Orange County with high surf,” the statement reads.
For the Los Angeles area, including Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, the beach hazard statement runs from Saturday evening through Tuesday afternoon. Surf along Los Angeles and Ventura county will be in the 6-to-10-foot range.
The advisory warns of sneaker waves and other hazards that can create life-threatening conditions in the surf zone.
It advises to swim near a lifeguard — though be warned that many towers are not staffed because it is off season for most beaches.
Rip currents will be strong – if you are stuck, 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,” the statement reads.
The NWS also hints at rain in the forecast with tropical thunderstorms possible late Monday – likely after midnight – and through Tuesday, into Wednesday before clearing up that evening.
Thursday should be back to mostly sunny weather, with a high near 70.
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