High Surf Advisory Issued for Southern California Beaches Amid Tropical Storm Elida Swell

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Los Angeles/Oxnard issued a high surf advisory at 11:24 a.m. on Sunday, July 18, 2026. The advisory remains in effect until Tuesday at 11 p.m. and covers Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, Ventura County beaches, the Malibu coast, and the city of Los Angeles.

The advisory warns of large breaking waves expected to reach 4 to 7 feet and dangerous rip currents. The waves will be strongest on south‑facing beaches because a southerly swell is being generated by Tropical Storm Elida, which is currently located in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The NWS notes that additional beach hazards statements or high surf advisories are likely for the remainder of the week as more southerly swells arrive.

"There is an increased risk for ocean drowning," the NWS statement says. "Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore." The agency advises people to stay out of the water or remain near occupied lifeguard towers, and to avoid rock jetties, which can be deadly in such conditions.

Tropical Storm Elida, which has been named for the eighth time in the eastern Pacific, is currently producing the swell that is driving the surf conditions along the California coast. According to the National Hurricane Center, Elida’s convection has weakened since the previous advisory, but the storm still has sustained winds of 60 mph and a maximum wind speed of 70 mph. The storm’s position and wind field are continuing to generate large swells that travel westward toward the U.S. West Coast.

The high surf advisory is part of the NWS’s routine practice of issuing warnings and advisories to protect the public from hazardous weather. The NWS is an agency of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The agency’s local forecast offices, such as the one in Los Angeles/Oxnard, issue products that are freely available to the public.

California’s coast is frequently affected by swells generated by storms in the Pacific. When the waves are large and the currents strong, the risk of injury and drowning increases. The advisory specifically highlights the danger to swimmers, surfers, and small‑boat operators. It also notes that the combination of large waves and rip currents can wash people off beaches and rocks, and that rock jetties can be especially hazardous.

The advisory’s coverage includes several popular beach destinations. Catalina Island, which is a popular spot for tourists and locals, is included in the advisory. Santa Barbara Island and the surrounding beaches in Ventura County are also covered. The Malibu coast, known for its high‑profile surf spots, is warned of the potential for large waves and rip currents. The city of Los Angeles, which has multiple beaches along its coastline, is also under the advisory.

The NWS has issued similar advisories for other parts of the California coast in the past week. For example, a high surf advisory was issued for Laguna Beach on Wednesday and Thursday, and another advisory was in effect for Los Angeles County until Thursday at 8 p.m. These advisories are issued when the NWS determines that wave heights and currents pose a significant hazard.

The high surf advisory is a reminder that the public should exercise caution when visiting the coast during periods of elevated surf. Lifeguard towers are recommended as a safer location for beachgoers, and the NWS advises staying away from rock jetties. The advisory also encourages people to avoid swimming or surfing in conditions that are not suitable for their skill level.

The advisory will remain in effect until Tuesday at 11 p.m. The NWS will continue to monitor the situation and may issue additional advisories or statements as new swells arrive. The agency’s forecast for the remainder of the week indicates that more southerly swells are expected, which could lead to further beach hazards.

In summary, the NWS has issued a high surf advisory for several Southern California beaches due to large waves and dangerous rip currents generated by Tropical Storm Elida. The advisory remains in effect until Tuesday evening, and the public is urged to stay out of the water or remain near lifeguard towers. The NWS will update the public as new information becomes available.