Los Angeles County officials urged residents and beachgoers Friday to take precautions this weekend as high surf, rip currents, rain and isolated thunderstorms could create hazardous conditions along the coast and throughout the county.
Remnants of Hurricane Rachel are expected to have some effects on Los Angeles County, with the National Weather Service reporting that tropical influences will impact the region during the mid-morning high tides, specifically along south-facing shores in areas such as Long Beach, Malibu and Avalon.
The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors announced it has taken precautionary measures at county beaches in anticipation of high surf and potential coastal flooding including constructing and maintaining protective sand berms, relocating vulnerable lifeguard towers farther from the shoreline and monitoring areas susceptible to erosion.
Recommendations from county officials to residents and beachgoers include:
— Checking in with the nearest lifeguard for daily ocean conditions and hazards before entering the water;
— Knowing your limits and swimming or surfing in front of an ocean lifeguard tower;
— Keeping a safe distance from piers, rocks and jetties;
— Never turning your back to the ocean; and staying out of the water near storm drains or areas identified by the Department of Public Health under ocean water use warnings.
Residents and beachgoers were also reminded to monitor radio and television news broadcasts closely for additional information about weather conditions and potential flooding in their area.
Preparedness and safety information is available at ready.lacounty.gov. Residents can register for emergency notifications and alerts at alert.lacounty.gov and find updates on emergency incidents at lacounty.gov/emergency.