Swimmers, Surfers Warned To Stay Out Of Ocean As Heavy Rains Carry Swath Of Debris
NEWPORT BEACH (CBSLA.com) — In one of the first of a series of Pacific storms, Orange County took a pounding with over an inch of rain Tuesday.
Most vulnerable were burn areas like Silverado Canyon where a mudslide and voluntary evacuation orders kept residents on edge.
The heavy rain carried a swath of debris from the Los Angeles River to Long Beach.
It's no surprise then that Los Angeles County health officials are warning swimmers and surfers to stay out of the ocean for at least three days after the storm to avoid dangerous levels of bacteria.
Earlier in the day, surfers in Huntington Beach took their chances, but a high surf advisory remains in effect.
In Seal Beach, at the fire station, sandbags are available for the taking as large damaging waves are expected through Thursday with swells of up to 15-feet.
The National Weather Service says it is the kind of surf and runoff that could cause flooding, beach erosion, and damage coastal structures like the Balboa Pier, which is currently being protected by a high berm.
Although less rain is expected in the next storm, the waves are expected to get larger.
Meantime, a surf advisory along the Orange County coast remains in effect through Friday.