After the first round of an expected one-two punch of rain in the Southland, residents are being advised to steer clear of area beaches due to potentially high bacteria levels.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on Wednesday issued an Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory — in effect until at least noon Saturday.
The department urged Southlanders “to avoid all water contact, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers” due to the potentially elevated bacteria levels and other possible dangers in these areas.
“This includes any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand,” a statement from the agency said.
In addition to high bacteria levels, ocean and bay recreational waters, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, can be contaminated with chemicals, debris, trash and other health hazards from city streets and mountain areas after a rainfall, according to the health department.
“Individuals who enter the water in these areas could become ill,” the department said.
Rain advisories remain in effect for at least 72 hours after the rainfall ends.
A potent storm poured rain on the Southland overnight Tuesday into Wednesday before the system exited the area. But clouds and cooling Saturday will lead to a chance of rain on Sunday, the National Weather Service said.
Periods of rain and low-elevation snow are likely all next week.