Hurricane Genevieve to bring massive swells, life-threatening surf, rip currents to SoCal

Hurricane Genevieve is currently moving through the Pacific, spinning roughly 500 miles off the southern tip of Baja California. The Category 4 storm is producing significant energy that will reach Southern California beaches this week in the form of large swells.

The National Weather Service expects swells to reach 11 feet in parts of San Diego County by Wednesday afternoon. While coastal areas across San Diego and Orange counties will generally see surf between 3 and 6 feet, larger sets could reach 7 feet. These conditions create strong rip currents and hazardous water levels for swimmers.

While this energy provides prime conditions for experienced surfers, officials are advising the public to exercise caution. Experts recommend staying near lifeguard stations and avoiding rocks or jetties until the swell subsides.

This system is one of the stronger hurricane swells reported in the region over the last decade. The hurricane itself is moving in a northwesterly direction and is expected to weaken as it encounters cooler water temperatures in the Pacific. Local authorities continue to monitor the storm as it tracks away from the coast.