Deadly Currents, High Surf Expected In SoCal Due To Hurricane Jova

LOS ANGELES, CA — The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory urging those near Southern California beaches to be cautious of dangerous rip currents and waves topping eight feet as Hurricane Jova impacts the coast. Jova formed in the eastern Pacific Ocean and strengthened into a major Category 5 hurricane Wednesday evening.

Coastal waters from Ventura County to Oceanside in San Diego County will become dangerous as the distant hurricane moves closer to the Southland.

Hurricane experts at Accuweather said the storm poses no immediate threat to land, but it will bring huge waves and dangerous currents to local beaches.

"Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore," the weather service said.

The weather service issued the hazard warning from 5 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. on Monday. Forecasters said swells should reach their peak on Saturday and subside 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 were advised to stay out of the water or near occupied lifeguard towers due to an increased risk of ocean drowning.

Conditions on jetties could be deadly, the weather service said. People are urged to stay off the rocks.

Along with hazardous ocean conditions, forecasters warned about the possibility of minor to moderate coastal flooding during high tide.

"Remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers," the National Weather Service warned.