Beach Hazards Statement

* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf expected. Potential thunderstorms could produce dangerous lightning.

* WHERE...San Luis Obispo County Beaches, Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches, Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast, Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast, Ventura County Beaches, Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches.

* WHEN...From Sunday morning through Wednesday afternoon.

* IMPACTS...There is an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats nearshore. Lightning strikes can harm individuals that are struck.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A south to southwest swell will affect the coastal waters through the week. With the longer period swell, the potential for larger surf and a greater risk for rip currents will be likely. High tides are expected to continue through this weekend with Monday being the peak of 7.0 to 7.6 ft above MLLW. With the high tides and south swell, there is the potential for some minor coastal flooding in low lying areas. Another concern will be the potential for lightning starting Sunday with a 10-20% of thunderstorms possible.