Los Angeles County officials urged residents and beachgoers to take precautions this weekend as high surf, dangerous rip currents and potential coastal flooding are forecast along the county coastline; rain and isolated thunderstorms could also create hazardous conditions, the county said.

The National Weather Service – Los Angeles/Oxnard Office said remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel will still affect the region and produce dangerous rip currents, high surf and coastal flooding during the mid‑morning high tides, especially on south‑facing shores including Long Beach, Malibu and Avalon.

In anticipation of the conditions, the county’s Department of Beaches and Harbors said it has constructed and maintained protective sand berms, relocated vulnerable lifeguard towers farther from the shoreline and is monitoring erosion‑prone areas; DBH is coordinating with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and other agencies to respond as needed.

Beach safety advice in the county release is direct: check with the nearest lifeguard for daily ocean conditions before entering the water; swim or surf in front of an open lifeguard tower and never go alone; keep a safe distance from piers and stay off rocks and jetties; do not enter water near storm drains.

Rain and flooding guidance is also specific: follow instructions from emergency responders and alerts; ensure tires, brakes and wipers are in good condition and drive cautiously on wet roads; stay away from flood control channels, catch basins, canyons and natural waterways; the county noted that "as little as 6 inches of water can knock over and carry away an adult, and 18-24 inches of water can carry away most large SUVs, vans and trucks." The release added, "Turn around, don’t drown!"

Sign up for emergency notifications at alert.lacounty.gov and check ready.lacounty.gov and lacounty.gov/emergency for preparedness guidance and up‑to‑date incident information.

Sources & methodology

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County of Los Angeles

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