High Waves Pummel SoCal As Winter Weather Continues

Beachgoers, surfers and boaters should expect big waves on Thursday — but nothing like the monsters that pounded the California coast in late December.

Alex Tardy, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said waves along the Los Angeles and Orange County coasts will likely be in the range of 3 to 6 feet, with occasional 7-foot swells. Waves could be even bigger, according to the National Weather Service, for some west-facing beaches, like Palos Verdes and Manhattan Beach.

Still, the surf will be "probably half [the size] we saw a week ago," Tardy said.

The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory for Southern California beaches that lasts through the evening for the Ventura County and O.C. coast and until 3 p.m. for the L.A. County coast. Beachgoers are advised to beware of strong rip currents and to stay away from rock jetties.

Coastal flooding is expected to be minimal.

Public health officials also advise people to stay out of coastal waters for 72 hours after significant rainfall because of elevated bacteria from contaminants that get washed into the ocean.

How to check on the changing weather

The National Weather Service's website for forecasts is, uh, not the most user-friendly. Start by typing in the city and/or ZIP code you're interested in.

Pro tip: O.C., Riverside and San Bernardino counties’ forecasts are covered by the San Diego office. Santa Barbara and Ventura counties are covered by the L.A./Oxnard office.

Hazardous weather conditions for the location will be noted in red near the top of the webpage.

For a frequently updated, narrative description of current and near future weather conditions for the region, click on the "forecast discussion" tab.

Can't find it? Here are the links:

• Los Angeles/Oxnard
• Orange/San Diego counties