Strong surf generated by a storm that moved through Southern California Friday night is forcing local officials to take immediate safety measures. The Manhattan Beach Pier, Hermosa Beach Pier and Ventura Pier are all closed until further notice, and a high‑surf advisory remains active for Los Angeles and Ventura counties through Tuesday afternoon.
Pier closures and public‑safety warnings
Manhattan Beach officials announced that the historic Manhattan Beach Pier will remain closed “until further notice” after crews reported hazardous wave conditions. Across the street, the City of Hermosa Beach issued a similar order on Saturday morning, shutting the Hermosa Beach Pier to protect beachgoers from the 8‑to‑12‑foot breaking waves expected Saturday.
In Ventura, the Ventura Police Department confirmed that the Ventura Pier was closed Friday night and is not expected to reopen until 3 p.m. Tuesday. Police urged residents and visitors to stay clear of the piers and the surrounding shoreline until conditions improve.
Advisories for the broader coastal area
The high‑surf advisory, issued by the National Weather Service, will stay in effect for Los Angeles and Ventura counties until 3 p.m. Tuesday. Forecasts call for additional storms later in the week, with another system expected around Monday and a third around Thursday. While the next round of storms is projected to be weaker than the current event, forecasters caution that surf heights could still reach 8 to 12 feet on west‑ to northwest‑facing beaches.
In Orange County, a separate high‑surf advisory is set to expire at 10 a.m. Sunday. A coastal‑flood advisory also covers all three counties until 4 p.m. Saturday, with moderate flooding possible in low‑lying areas during high tide. Beach parking lots, bike paths and harbor walkways could be affected by rising water.
Health advisory
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health continues its ocean‑water‑quality rain advisory through at least 8 a.m. Monday. Residents are urged to avoid direct water contact, especially near storm drains, creeks and rivers, because recent rainfall may have elevated bacterial levels.
What to expect next
Forecasters say the Monday system could bring light rain, with another chance of rain on Wednesday or Thursday. Both systems are currently expected to be weaker than the storms that produced the present surf, but the public is advised to stay updated on local weather alerts.
Authorities recommend that anyone planning to visit the coast check the latest advisories, avoid the closed piers, and heed health warnings about water contact. As the situation evolves, officials will lift closures and advisories when conditions are deemed safe.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
