Hurricane Rachel Brings Hazardous Surf to SoCal Beaches
Hurricane Rachel, currently churning off the coast of Mexico, is generating southerly swells that are impacting Southern California beaches. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued beach hazard warnings and coastal flood advisories for Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, and San Diego counties. Forecasters warn of life-threatening rip currents and elevated surf, with waves reaching 5 to 6 feet in some areas. Ventura County beaches are expected to see 2- to 4-foot surf, while Orange and San Diego counties may experience swells of 3 to 5 feet, with sets up to 6 feet. These conditions are expected to persist through the end of the week, with coastal flooding concerns continuing until Friday. Meteorologists note that the southerly direction of the swells is unusual for the region, increasing risks for inexperienced swimmers.