Overview
- The National Weather Service has active beach hazard statements and coastal flood advisories for wide parts of Southern and Central California warning people to stay out of the water.
- Forecasters say southerly swells are producing surf of about 3 to 6 feet with sets up to 7 feet on south-facing beaches and a high risk of strong rip currents.
- Dangerous conditions have caused multiple recent deaths and a surge in rescues, with Newport Beach lifeguards reporting more than 12,000 preventive actions and roughly 516 rescues in a single week.
- Cities and emergency crews have mobilized sandbagging, temporary berms and other protections for low-lying areas as king tides and elevated baseline sea levels drive waves into parking lots and walkways.
- Officials warn conditions may persist for several days and note a heat surge later this month could raise beach attendance and increase exposure if hazards continue, so swimmers should follow rip-current safety steps and use lifeguarded beaches.