The Los Angeles region is bracing for potentially hazardous weather conditions during the holiday week, with high surf warnings and a chance of rain in the forecast, according to the National Weather Service in Oxnard.
A high surf advisory will remain in effect through early Wednesday morning, with waves reaching 8 to 12 feet on north- and west-facing beaches in the Los Angeles area. The peak surf conditions are expected from late Monday afternoon into early Tuesday morning.
"With surf like that, we're expecting very dangerous rip currents and kind of almost advising people to stay out of the water," said Bryan Lewis, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service. Surfers who venture out are advised to remain within view of lifeguards.
The situation appears particularly concerning in Ventura County, where waves could reach up to 18 feet, potentially causing water to crash over break walls at Ventura Harbor. This poses risks for boaters in the area. Reports from Channel Islands beach already indicated 8-foot waves on Monday morning.
While Christmas Eve may bring light rainfall starting late morning Tuesday, accumulation is expected to be minimal at around one-tenth of an inch. Weather conditions are predicted to improve by Christmas Day, with no rain and temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to low 70s in valley areas.
The warning comes after last December's incident in Ventura, where eight people suffered moderate injuries when a rogue wave swept over a sea wall, flooding nearby streets. Those injured were among spectators watching the high surf from the sea wall at the time.
Post-Christmas, Ventura County will continue experiencing advisory-level surf conditions, with waves potentially reaching close to 10 feet.