A pair of powerful tropical systems spinning off Mexico is sending towering waves toward Southern California, turning the coastline into a magnet for experienced surfers while raising serious safety concerns for anyone hoping to swim.
The dangerous beach conditions are being driven by swells from Tropical Storm Elida and Hurricane Fausto, whose combined energy has pushed large surf and strong rip currents into coastal communities across the region this week.
The National Hurricane Center said waves produced by Fausto are already impacting parts of the western Baja California Peninsula and are continuing to move north toward the Southern California coast.
Forecasters cautioned that the incoming swells could create life-threatening surf and rip current conditions, advising residents and visitors to follow updates from their local weather offices.
In response, the National Weather Service has posted moderate to high-risk beach advisories for stretches of Southern California shoreline.
“Life-threatening rip currents are likely,” the agency said, warning that the surf zone is hazardous for swimmers of every skill level and urging people to stay out of the ocean.
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The NWS also reminded beachgoers to pay close attention to lifeguards, beach patrol guidance and posted flag warning systems before approaching the water.
Elida first formed off Mexico’s Pacific coastline in mid-July, later gaining strength as it tracked northwest over open water.
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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