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Hurricane Polo Sends Big Surf Toward Southern California Coast

Southern California’s beaches are bracing for a rough couple of days as swells from Hurricane Polo bring big waves, dangerous rip currents and the threat of coastal flooding.

A coastal flood advisory and high surf advisory are in effect for beaches across Los Angeles, Malibu, Orange County and Ventura, along with Catalina and Santa Barbara islands. The advisories began Monday morning and are scheduled to remain in effect through Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters are expecting breaking waves between 4 and 7 feet along the Los Angeles County coastline, with dangerous rip currents creating an increased risk for swimmers and surfers.

The National Weather Service warns that powerful waves can knock people off beaches and rocks, cause injuries, pull swimmers out to sea and even capsize small boats near shore.

And for some coastal communities, the timing couldn't be worse.

Southern California is still dealing with damage from Hurricane Marie, which caused significant surf and flooding problems just weeks ago, including the collapse of part of the Long Beach boardwalk.

Now, residents are preparing for another round.

Homeowners have been piling up sandbags and boarding up doors and windows as they try to protect their properties from Polo's powerful swells.

Long Beach Takes Extra Precautions

Long Beach crews are continuing efforts to protect vulnerable areas along the Peninsula. Workers have been reinforcing portions of the pedestrian boardwalk and testing large, heavy-duty sandbags along the Peninsula bulkhead to help absorb incoming wave energy.

K-rails remain in place near the 72nd Place parking lot to help keep seawater out, while Peninsula Beach has been closed to the public.

Officials are also warning people to stay away from sand berms and areas where heavy equipment is operating.

The National Weather Service says moderate coastal flooding is possible in low-lying areas around high tide, including beach parking lots, bike paths and harbor walkways. Some areas could also see moderate to locally significant beach erosion, with localized damage possible in the most vulnerable locations.

Newport Beach Also Preparing

Coastal erosion is another major concern in Newport Beach. Crews have been moving sand and reinforcing beach berms in exposed areas ahead of the larger swells and high morning tides.

Of course, there's one group that's not exactly running away from the waves.

Surfers have been flocking to Southern California beaches, eager to take advantage of the unusually large swells—even as officials warn everyone else to use extreme caution around the water.

If you're heading to the coast, officials are urging people to stay away from rocks, jetties and exposed areas, never turn your back on the ocean, and avoid entering the water when conditions are dangerous.