Coastal communities brace for high surf as cold storm system hits Southern California 

A cold storm system is set to bring rain and gusty winds to Southern California this weekend, causing the National Weather Service to issue a High Surf Advisory for communities along the coast. 

Large breaking waves of up to seven feet may be accompanied by dangerous rip currents, especially at westward facing beaches in Los Angeles County, NWS said. 

Further north, west facing beaches in Ventura County may see swells of up to ten feet. Residents are advised to watch for minor flooding of some beach areas, and inexperienced boaters are encouraged to remain in port. 

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

And while a few locals may see the big waves and grab a surfboard, others from out of town know better than to mess with Mother Nature. 

“[I guess] experienced surfers know the tides and the rip currents already,” David Priestas, who is visiting Hermosa Beach from Pennsylvania, told KTLA 5’s Carlos Herrera. “I would not go in there.” 

The storm system, which is not expected to be as strong as the some of the storms SoCal experienced in February, is expected to linger until Sunday night, according to the National Weather Service.