Southern California residents near the coast are being advised to prepare for a multi-day stretch of unusual conditions, as Los Angeles officials have issued a coastal weather alert. The city's Emergency Management Department put out a warning late Friday afternoon, informing the public that swells generated by Hurricanes Polo and Odalys are expected to bring moderate coastal flooding, high surf, and dangerous rip currents to Los Angeles beach areas. These conditions are anticipated to last from Sunday night through Wednesday, meaning a significant portion of the week will see the Pacific acting a little differently than usual.
For those planning to be near the water this week, moderate coastal flooding is expected. The alert specified that during high tides, seawater is likely to inundate familiar areas like parking lots adjacent to the coast, the beaches themselves, and coastal walkways. This means that your usual beach parking spot might be under an inch or two of water, and that oceanfront strolls could involve wading through unexpected puddles, potentially disrupting access to some popular spots.
Beyond the rising tides, the forecast includes high surf and dangerous rip currents. Officials specifically warned of an increased risk of drowning, emphasizing that widespread and very strong rip currents could pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. For anyone considering a dip, the ocean will not be in a welcoming mood. Additionally, large breaking waves are anticipated, which could cause injuries to unsuspecting beachgoers, wash people off beaches and rocks, and even capsize small boats operating near the shore. Enhanced beach erosion is also on the cards, meaning the coastline itself will be getting a bit of a workout.
In preparation for these conditions, residents in areas known to be prone to coastal flooding are advised to take preventative measures. The city has made ready-to-fill sandbags available, which can be obtained from local Los Angeles Fire Department stations. For those wondering how best to deploy these, information on proper sandbag placement is also available.
Adding another layer of caution to the coastal advisories, the city also highlighted a separate warning from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. This department has advised people to steer clear of ocean water at select county beaches due to elevated bacteria levels. These levels, according to the Public Health department, currently exceed state health standards for safe water recreational activities. This means that even if the surf doesn't deter you, the water quality might.
Officials are urging all residents to keep a close eye on National Weather Service forecasts and advisories as the situation develops through the week. Further emergency preparedness information is also available from the city. Staying informed will be key to navigating the unusual coastal conditions heading our way.
