Malibu Surf Advisory: Storm Brings Large Waves, Dangerous Rip Currents

MALIBU, CA — The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory urging those near Los Angeles County beaches to be cautious of waves up to 15 feet tall and dangerous rip currents as an atmospheric river and a bomb cyclone hit the county this week.

Coastal waters in Malibu will become dangerous as gale-force winds, heavy rain, large steep seas and high surf are forecasted from 6 a.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Friday. Wind gusts will reach up to 35-45 knots across all waters.

“There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea,” the NWS said. “Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.”

According to the NWS, waves at L.A. County beaches will reach 8 to 12 feet tall with a chance of sets up to 15 feet in some areas. Coastal residents and visitors were advised to stay out of the water or near occupied lifeguard towers.

Conditions on jetties could be deadly, the NWS said, so people are urged to stay off the rocks.

“Know your limits and check in with a lifeguard,” L.A. County Lifeguards said.