While it’s still unknown exactly how the approaching Hurricane Hillary will act when it reaches Southern California – likely as a tropical storm – lifeguards and coastal public works departments are preparing for the beach to get battered, just in case.
The latest data on Friday morning showed waves at south-facing beaches like Newport Beach and Huntington Beach in Orange County and Zuma in Los Angeles County expected to be 8- to 10-feet tall, with bigger sets up to 15 feet and even 20 feet at the Wedge in Newport Beach, late Sunday and into Monday morning.
State Parks Superintendent Kevin Pearsall said sandbags have been put out to protect areas of vulnerable coast, with heavy machinery moving sand to create berms.
“Every state beach that may have higher-than-expected surf is prepared with sandbags throughout,” Pearsall said.
As a precaution, a junior ranger program scheduled for Monday has been canceled and if lightning comes within 10 miles of the coast, beaches will be closed, he said. Authorities will also be watching beach erosion levels at Crystal Cove and Capistrano Beach to Doheny State Beach, where sand has been hauled in recently to try and shore up the beach.
“We’re prepared for it and we’re expecting erosion, but whether or not it will take away the sand at Crystal Cove or Doheny, we don’t know yet,” he said.
While State Parks will keep entrances open when safe, Pearsall advises people to use caution when visiting the shore.
“You’ll get your lookie-loos who will be curious, they want to see 15-foot waves. We highly recommend no one goes to the beach when we have a storm like this,” he said.
In Seal Beach, which experienced some rare summer flooding during Hurricane Marie, the forecast is expected to be anywhere from 5 feet to 10 feet, with a possibility of local coastal flooding and winds up to 50 mph.
Newport Beach Lifeguard Chief Brian O’Rourke said berms have been shored up near the Balboa Pier and,…
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