Hurricane Marie could bring the largest surf in years to Southern California.
San Diegans are keeping an eye on the hurricane as it moves along the Pacific coast off Mexico.
The Category 5 storm has weakened to a Category 2 but will still bring above normal tides to beaches from San Diego to Santa Barbara Tuesday through Friday.
Swimmers and surfers can expect dangerously strong currents along with the high surf bringing a bit of danger to the spectacle.
The peak of the swell was expected Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday.
The National Weather Service is forecasting 10 to 15 foot breakers for south and southeast facing beaches in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. So-called "sneaker" waves may sweep jetties and rocks.
Some of the hardest hit areas may include the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Point Mugu and Port Hueneme.
Here in San Diego County, dangerous rip currents were expected Tuesday for beaches north of Carlsbad.
SD County Lifeguards are on full staffing now through Labor Day weekend.
The highest surf will be along the south facing beaches including: Coronado, OB, Mission, Blacks, the Wedge, and Oceanside, according to San Diego lifeguards.
Last weekend, there were 197 rescues, which is average, said Sgt. Bill Bender.
At Bird's Surf Shed, surfers were talking about the upcoming conditions.
There's no doubt there will be lots of surfers in the water trying to take advantage of the swell - experienced and beginners alike.
Everyone has to watch out for each other because the conditions may be extremely dangerous, Bird said.
“Swim near a lifeguard and keep it safe out there,” advised NBC 7 Meteorologist Jodi Kodesh.
A high surf advisory will be in place for several counties north and south of Los Angeles, including Orange County where NWS warns there may be damage to some piers.
In Long Beach, officials have made sandbags available to local residents as officials warn the high surf could impact area homes,with some flooding in low-lying areas expected.
Volunteers from several local groups have distributed fliers along the Palos Verdes Peninsula, urging residents to protect property and secure vehicles in areas that are prone to flooding.
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