Rain Prompts Beach Water Use Advisory In Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA — Public Health officials in Long Beach issued an advisory for all city beaches due to possible increases of bacteria in ocean waters.

The warning was issued on Wednesday after significant rainfall hit Los Angeles County, and will likely be extended as the county is forecasted to see more showers through the New Year.

"After any significant rainfall, unhealthy conditions may result from increased runoff from storm drain outlets and rivers, which eventually reach the City’s beaches," Long Beach health officials said.

Officials recommend avoiding contact with ocean water for three days after rainfall to avoid illness, especially near flowing storm drains, creeks and rivers.

There is also a high surf advisory in place for L.A. County beaches due to the storm through Wednesday night. Along the coast, high surf and strong rip currents will impact beaches with waves reaching anywhere from five to 10 feet tall.

Surf will be highest on west and north-facing beaches and will likely peak Tuesday night into Wednesday afternoon according to NWS. The weather agency urged people to stay off of racks and jetties, stay back from the water and never turn your back to the water.