California

High Surf, Strong Rip Currents and Sneaker Waves Expected on SoCal Beaches

A teenager went missing Sunday amid the heavy surf in Laguna Beach, officials said

High surf, strong rip currents and sneaker waves are expected through Tuesday on southwest California beaches, according to a National Weather Service advisory.

Waves were expected to be up to 8 feet, with some sets reaching 10 feet.

"Well that [5-8 feet] isn't incredibly high, the issue is the rip currents and of course, the sneaker waves," said NBC4 meteorologist Anthony Yanez.

While the storm system known as "Pineapple Express" soaks Northern and Central California, its effects are being felt in SoCal, too.

The severe thunderstorms in Northern and Central California are coming from an area of low pressure, according to Yanez.

This low pressure area is piling up the water along Southern California's west-facing shores. This, in turn, is creating strong rip currents which make for dangerous surfing and swimming conditions.

The surf may have proved deadly Sunday as officials search for an 18-year-old who was knocked off rocks amid heavy surf in Laguna Beach. What began as a massive search has turned into a recovery operation at 1,000 Steps Beach in Orange County, officials told NBC4.

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"It is extremely dangerous out there," Yanez said.

This weather pattern is expected to continue through Tuesday.

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