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High surf: Hurricane Norbert to bring big waves (but not as big as Marie's)
Steve West, 42, wades into the ocean to body surf in Huntington Beach as Hurricane Marie brings a big swell to the California coast. Hurricane Norbert is expected to bring more big waves, though not as large as those generated by Marie.
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Benjamin Brayfield/KPCC
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Southern California could see a return of big waves and the possibility of minor coastal flooding through the weekend as Hurricane Norbert interacts with a swell originating in the Southern Hemisphere, the National Weather Service announced Thursday.
The combination brings an increasing risk of strong rip currents starting Thursday, according to a beach hazards statement that will be in effect from 2 p.m. Thursday through Monday night.
Elevated surf is also expected through the weekend, though not nearly as high as the surf that came along with Hurricane Marie last week. Some sets were reported to be as high as 25 feet during that period. This weekend will see average surf of 4 feet to 7 feet.
The NWS warns that unexpectedly large "sneaker waves" can cross rocks and jetties and inundate beaches.
Low-lying coastal areas near south-facing beaches are most at risk of minor flooding during evening high tides Saturday through Monday, according to the statement.
The NWS noted the following areas would be most impacted:
- In L.A. County, beaches from Long Beach through the Palos Verdes Peninsula, including Cabrillo Beach and Point Fermin, Malibu and Zuma beaches
- Southern and eastern shores of Catalina Island
- In Ventura County, beaches at or near Port Hueneme, Point Mugu, County Line and Oxnard Shores
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