9-08-2023 3:43pm

High Surf and Deadly Currents, Expected at CA Beaches In Due To Hurricane Jova

Anita Johnson-Brown Editor

A high surf advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for Southern California beaches. The advisory urges people to be cautious of dangerous rip currents and waves that could reach up to eight feet as Hurricane Jova approaches the coast. Jova, which formed in the eastern Pacific Ocean and strengthened into a major Category 5 hurricane on Wednesday evening, will cause coastal waters to become dangerous as it moves closer to the Southland.

Hurricane experts at Accuweather have stated that the storm does not pose an immediate threat to land, but will bring huge waves and dangerous currents to local beaches. The weather service has warned that rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea and large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.

The hazard warning has been issued from 5 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. on Monday, with forecasters predicting that swells will reach their peak on Saturday and subside by Sunday. According to the National Weather Service, waves will reach 5 to 7 feet tall with a chance of sets up to 8 feet in some areas. Coastal residents and visitors have been advised to stay out of the water or near occupied lifeguard towers due to an increased risk of ocean drowning.

The weather service has also warned that conditions on jetties could be deadly, and people are urged to stay off the rocks. Along with hazardous ocean conditions, forecasters have warned about the possibility of minor to moderate coastal flooding during high tide.

As a precaution, the National Weather Service has advised people to remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions or stay near occupied lifeguard towers.

By Anita Johnson-Brown