Powerful tropical storms churning off Mexico have whipped up monster waves along Southern California’s coastline, creating dream conditions for surfers — and a nightmare for swimmers.
The pounding surf is being fueled by Tropical Storm Elida and Hurricane Fausto, which combined to send large swells and dangerous rip currents crashing onto area beaches this week.
“Swells generated by Fausto are affecting portions of the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula and are spreading northward toward the coast of southern California,” the National Hurricane Center warned.
“These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.”
The National Weather Service has also issued high to moderate rip current risk alerts for Southern California beaches.
“Life threatening rip currents are likely,” the agency warned. “The surf zone is dangerous for all levels of swimmers. Stay out of the water.”
The NWS urged beachgoers to “heed the advice of the local beach patrol and flag warning systems.”
Elida developed off Mexico’s Pacific coast in mid-July before strengthening and pushing northwest.
Fausto formed near the southern tip of Baja California, trailing behind Elida and adding to the powerful surf. The system also became the first hurricane of the eastern Pacific season, packing sustained winds of up to 80 mph.
The dangerous conditions were already on full display in Newport Beach over the weekend, where lifeguards rescued about 100 people in a single day and issued more than 3,000 warnings to beachgoers.
“Our lifeguards were very busy,” Newport Beach Fire Department Chief Lifeguard Brian O’Rourke told KTLA. “They were rescuing a lot of people.”
A Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect for Southern California through Sunday evening.
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