Labor Day Beach Guide: High Surf, Rip Currents Threaten LA County Coast

LOS ANGELES, CA — Beachgoers should use extra caution over Labor Day weekend as Hurricane Marie is expected to send high surf and powerful rip currents toward the Los Angeles County coast.

Marie is expected to remain well offshore, but a large southerly swell will affect Southern California beaches from Friday through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. The swell is expected to peak Sunday and Monday, particularly at south-facing beaches.

A high surf advisory and coastal flood advisory will be in effect from 6 a.m. Saturday through 11 p.m. Tuesday for portions of the Los Angeles County coast. Forecasters expect breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet, along with strong rip currents and evening high tides approaching 7 feet.

The combination could cause coastal flooding and beach erosion, with Malibu, the Alamitos Peninsula in Long Beach and Avalon among the areas considered especially vulnerable.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department urged anyone heading to the coast to check conditions with a lifeguard before entering the water, swim or surf near an open lifeguard tower and never go into the ocean alone. Beachgoers should also stay away from piers, rocks and jetties and never turn their backs on the ocean.

Rain could add another wrinkle to holiday weekend plans. Moisture from Marie is expected to bring increasing humidity Saturday and a chance of showers Saturday night, followed by a greater chance of light rain Sunday through Tuesday.

Drivers were urged to slow down on wet roads and never attempt to cross flooded areas.

Beachgoers should also pay attention to posted water-quality warnings.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued ocean water use warnings Friday for nine beaches after samples showed bacteria levels above state health standards.

• See up-to-date beach bacteria warnings for LA County

City News Service contributed to this report.