Hurricane Narda causing high surf at Southern California beaches

Hurricane Narda continues to churn in the Pacific Ocean, sending large swells towards Southern California shores.

The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement for beaches from Santa Barbara County to San Diego County in addition to Catalina Island.  

“Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves of 3 to 5 feet are expected on south-facing beaches,” NWS said. “Sets of waves up to 6 feet possible for south and southwest-facing beaches.” 

The large south swells began hitting SoCal on Sunday, and according to weather officials, they peaked on Monday and Tuesday. Forecasters advised beachgoers of dangerous rip currents, elevated surf and a threat of minor coastal flooding to south-facing shores through Wednesday.

One location in particular where lifeguards have been busy is Newport Beach, where officials told KTLA 5 Orange County Bureau Chief Chip Yost that rough conditions, especially rip currents, have led to over 80 rescues over the past few days, many of them south of the pier.

“We’re seeing people getting caught in these rip currents,” said Newport Beach Fire Department Chief Lifeguard Brian O’Rourke. “They go out into very shallow water, the waves and the current will knock them off their feet and then push them out further into a rip current, then it pulls them way offshore.”

Anyone looking to swim or surf at a Southern California beach this week is advised to follow guidance from local lifeguards and stay near a lifeguard tower.