High Surf To Pound Los Angeles Coast

LOS ANGELES, CA - High surf will pound the coast in Los Angeles and Orange counties from Wednesday evening through Friday night, and strong rip currents will threaten swimmers and surfers, forecasters said.

A beach Hazards statement, which is a fraction less serious than a high surf advisory, will be in force from Wednesday evening through Friday evening in both counties, and elevated surf of 3-6 feet is expected at south-facing beaches in L.A. County during that time, they said

"There is an increased risk of ocean drowning," warned a National Weather Service statement. "Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Sneaker waves can suddenly wash people off of beaches and rock jetties.

"Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help."

A beach Hazards statement was also issued for Orange County, where surf of 4-6 feet is expected, according to the National Weather Service..

Partly cloudy clouds are expected in L.A. County Wednesday, along with highs of 85 degrees in Downtown L.A and 95 in Woodland Hills. Sunny skies are expected in Orange County, along with highs in the mid to high 70s along the coast and the mid 80s inland.

City News Service; (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)