They may be attractive to experienced surfers, but large waves pounding many Southern California beaches Tuesday could be hazardous to other beachgoers, prompting forecasters to warn people against wading into the treacherous waters.
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A high surf advisory issued by the National Weather Service will be in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday for Los Angeles County beaches. Forecasters said "large breaking waves" of 8 to 13 feet were impacting west-facing beaches Tuesday morning. Those waves were expected to back off to about 6 to 10 feet Tuesday afternoon, but that will still be enough to present a danger.
Forecasters noted that the waves will be accompanied by "very dangerous rip currents."
The advisory includes the Malibu coast and Catalina Island.
"There is an increased risk for ocean drowning," according to the NWS. "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."
Forecasters warned people to stay out of the water, or at least stay near "occupied lifeguard towers."
"Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions. Stay off the rocks," the NWS advised.
In Orange County, a high surf advisory will be in place until 4 p.m. Wednesday, with waves at west-facing beaches expected between 5 and 8 feet, including some local sets of up to 12 feet.
Earlier this week, high surf was caught on video surging over the breakwater near the King Harbor Yacht Club in Redondo Beach, flooding an adjacent parking lot. Video from the scene showed people venturing close to the breakwater to take photos, then quickly running away when the large waves crashed into the parking lot, where a handful of cars were doused.
Redondo Beach police closed off the roadway, but it reopened Tuesday morning. Police said the breakwater itself remained off limits due to the high surf.
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