High Surf and Flooding Threaten Catalina, Ventura County Beaches, Malibu Coast
The National Weather Service warns of increased drowning risk and coastal flooding from Saturday through Tuesday.
2 reports on this incident · first at Sep 3, 2026, 3:21 p.m. ET
Earlier reports
Sep 3, 2026, 3:21 p.m. ETFirst report
High Surf and Coastal Flood Advisories Issued for Catalina, Ventura County Beaches, Malibu Coast
The National Weather Service Los Angeles has issued a High Surf Advisory and a Coastal Flood Advisory for Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, Ventura County Beaches, Malibu Coast, and Los Angeles County Beaches, effective from 6 AM Saturday, September 5, 2026, to 11 PM PDT Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The advisories were issued at 12:11 PM PDT on September 3, 2026.
The High Surf Advisory warns of large breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet with dangerous rip currents, largest on south-facing shores. The Coastal Flood Advisory indicates moderate coastal flooding is expected. Impacts include an increased risk of ocean drowning, rip currents that can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea, large waves that can cause injury and wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore. Enhanced beach erosion is expected, and flooding of sea water is likely around high tide over vulnerable low-lying coastal areas such as parking lots, beaches, and walkways. Significant damage to roads or structures is not expected.
Officials advise remaining out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions, or staying near occupied lifeguard towers. They warn that rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions and urge people to stay off the rocks. The public should follow advice from local officials and not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. The conditions are expected to peak Monday and Tuesday.
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Revision history
- Version 13 Sept 2026, 19:24current
First published.
- Version 13 Sept 2026, 19:21current
First published.
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