Strong Rip Currents Forecast for Orange County Beaches

A northwest swell brought bigger than usual waves and strong rip currents to Orange County's beaches Monday, posing a danger to swimmers, meteorologists said.

The National Weather Service scheduled a beach hazards statement for the county's coastal areas through Tuesday morning, saying 4- to 6-foot surf with 16- to 18-second lulls was likely, especially north of Newport Beach.

A beach hazards statement is issued whenever threats, such as strong rip currents, elevated surf heights, tidal overflow or lightning, are possible at local beaches.

"Strong rip currents and elevated surf will create dangerous swimming conditions, especially for inexperienced swimmers,'' an NWS advisory said.

"The long period of the swell will create long lulls in wave activity followed by high wave sets that may catch swimmers off guard.''

– City News Service