Tall Waves Expected At Southern California Beaches

Starting today, south-facing beaches are expected to get hit with waves up to about 8 feet, thanks to swells generated by a storm off New Zealand.

The big surf is expected to continue through Tuesday, and lifeguards say only experienced swimmers and surfers should get in over their heads.

People should be careful of venturing out on jetties and other points that can be suddenly washed over by big waves.

Surfers can expect mostly waist- to head-high waves today, and shoulder-high and overhead waves Monday and Tuesday.

At the Wedge in Newport Beach, where the harbor jetty helps pump up the surf, breakers could be 12-15 feet.

Otherwise, the biggest waves are expected along south-facing beaches in Orange and San Diego counties, the Los Angeles Times reported.

In Santa Monica Bay, the big southerly swell will be somewhat blocked by Santa Catalina and San Clemente islands, and parts of Malibu and other south-facing beaches are expected to have breakers 4-8 feet, with some sets up to 10 feet, according to the National Weather Service.

The swell is forecast some shift toward the west after today. A NWS high surf advisory will be in effect until 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Surf-zone water temperatures will be in the low 60s.

With the pounding waves come strong currents that can pull swimmers offshore. Lifeguards recommend swimming parallel to the beach to get out of rip currents before turning toward shore.