SoCal coast expected to take pounding as soaking forecast spells trouble

Southern California’s beach weather is about to turn ugly — with monster waves and dangerous rip currents threatening to turn the shoreline into a danger zone as rain also threatens to crash the party. The National Weather Service is warning of potentially damaging surf reaching 14 feet along parts of the Central Coast, with the worst conditions expected to hammer beaches over the weekend and linger into next week. And the ocean won’t be the only thing making a scene: A parade of storm systems is headed toward California, threatening to knock temperatures out of the 80s and into the 60s while bringing several rounds of rain to a region that has been enjoying an unusually warm November. 3 The National Weather Service is warning of potentially damaging surf expected to hammer beaches over the weekend.

Jon Putman for CA Post Forecasters say the weekend rain chances could be a bit of a tease , with a better shot at meaningful precipitation not arriving until Monday or Tuesday. Explore More Family business of Ole Miss student who made monkey noises outside black students’ door hit with lawsuit over racism claims Twice-deported illegal immigrant ID’d as United flier accused of bomb, hijack threat — and was sprung by judge after ICE bust Ole Miss racism scandal takes a disturbing turn as vile allegations against co-ed’s family business resurface The days of basking in summer-like temperatures could soon be numbered as a changing weather pattern sends cooler air and increasing cloud cover into Southern California.

Inland communities that have been sweating through temperatures in the 80s could see readings slide into the 70s and potentially the 60s by the weekend, with some areas falling below seasonal averages. Several storm systems are lining up to move across California, but much of their punch is expected to stay north of the region. That means the seven-day forecast may look more ominous than what actually unfolds. 3 A storm approaches the Long Beach peninsula in California on Oct. 9.

Jon Putman for CA Post 3 A parade of storm systems is headed toward California, threatening to knock temperatures out of the 80s and into the 60s while bringing several rounds of rain. AP “I think what most people will find as they look at the seven-day forecast, their eyes go into the weekend, go into that chance of rain,” KTLA meteorologist Henry DiCarlo said . The first opportunity for showers could arrive late Friday night into Saturday.

Sunday brings another slight chance of light rain, although some neighborhoods could escape the weekend without seeing a drop. “These four days will look worse than they will play out,” DiCarlo said, referring to the unsettled conditions expected through early next week. The more promising rainmaker could arrive Monday into Tuesday, when storm systems are expected to take a more direct track toward Southern California. The National Weather Service expects several rounds of light to moderate rain across the region through Wednesday, although forecasters say the exact timing and rainfall totals remain uncertain.

The bigger, immediate headache may be at the beach, where the Pacific is preparing to put on a dangerous show. Surf risks have been elevated to high for Saturday and Sunday, with large northwest swells expected to send powerful waves crashing into the coastline. Ventura County beaches could see breaking waves of five to eight feet, while parts of the Santa Barbara County Central Coast and San Luis Obispo County could be slammed with waves reaching nine to 14 feet.

But it’s not just the height of the waves that has forecasters worried: Powerful rip currents, longshore currents, sneaker waves and punishing shore breaks could sweep swimmers off their feet or drag unsuspecting beachgoers into deeper water. The National Weather Service warned the pounding surf could also cause localized damage to piers and vulnerable coastal areas , particularly along the Central Coast. Beachgoers looking for a weekend escape may want to think twice before getting too close to the water.

The combination of powerful northwest swells and elevated tides is also raising the risk of coastal flooding and significant beach erosion. The worst impacts are expected along west- and northwest-facing shorelines, where seawater could spill over onto beach walkways, parking lots, bike paths and roads. Oceano Dunes State Park is among the areas facing a heightened threat, with flooding potentially limiting vehicle access. Orange County coastal communities are also bracing for high tides exceeding seven feet, putting roads and parking areas at risk.

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