The National Weather Service has issued warnings for the Santa Monica area in anticipation of another winter storm.
Forecasters issued a Beach Hazard Statement for the local area through the weekend for elevated surf of 4 to 6 feet and strong rip currents across west facing beaches. The NWS said the surf will potentially increase in coming days and could require a high surf advisory.
The warning said conditions create an increased risk for ocean drowning and rip currents can pull swimmers out to sea. It said large breaking waves can wash unaware people off beaches and possibly capsize small boats near the shore.
“A Beach Hazards Statement is issued when threats such as rip currents ... longshore currents ... sneaker waves and other hazards create life-threatening conditions in the surf zone. Swim near a lifeguard,” said the statement. “If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.”
The NWS also issued a small craft advisory for the region and a gale warning for the waters north of Los Angeles County.
“A Small Craft Advisory means that hazardous sea conditions will exist for small craft. Inexperienced mariners ... especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions,” it said.
Officials said the weather could trigger more mudslides in burn areas.
The County of Los Angeles urged residents to prepare for potential flooding and mudslides ahead of the upcoming storms. They said residents affected by recent fires, like the Woolsey Fire, should be especially cautious at this time.
“With a series of storms expected to reach Los Angeles County later this evening, members of the public need to be aware of the flood risk for their homes and communities and prepare accordingly,” LA County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella said. “Recent burn areas, including those affected by the Woolsey, Creek and La Tuna fires, are highly susceptible to mud and debris flows. Residents are advised to monitor local news outlets, avoid driving through moving or ponded water and report storm-related emergencies to (800) 675-HELP (4357).”
L.A. County residents can call (800) 675-4357 to schedule an appointment or identify a location to get free sandbags.
Sandbags are available in Malibu at local fire stations (Station #70 - 3970 Carbon Canyon Rd,
Station #71 - 28722 Pacific Coast Hwy, Station #88 - 23720 Malibu Rd, Station #99 - 32550 Pacific Coast Hwy, and Zuma Beach Lifeguard Headquarters - pre-filled sandbags available)
Officials said residents should stay away from flood control channels, catch basins, canyons and natural waterways, which are susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rain.
Residents should check on neighbors who might need aid and gates should be left open to prevent mud from blocking entryways.
“As part of its storm preparation plan, the City continues to monitor storm conditions and crews are patrolling and clearing roads of rocks and debris, clearing storm drains and culverts to prevent flooding, placing temporarily concrete k-rails to prevent flooding and debris flows, and has pre-placed heavy equipment at areas sensitive to flooding and debris flows,” said an release from the City of Malibu. “Sheriffs Volunteers On Patrol (VOP) assist with patrolling City streets and reporting issues. The City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Staff is on standby and the EOC will be activated if conditions warrant.”
Local forecast:
Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 10am, then a chance of showers. High near 63. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 50. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming east southeast in the morning.
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Monday: A 50 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63.
Monday Night: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. Breezy.
Tuesday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 63.
Tuesday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.
Wednesday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62.
Wednesday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.
