Southern California piers close as high surf and dangerous rip currents batter SoCal coast

VENTURA (KABC) -- High surf and dangerous rip currents prompted the closure of several Southern California piers as officials warned beachgoers to stay out of the water amid hazardous ocean conditions.

High surf and high rip current warnings were in effect along Los Angeles County beaches, while Ventura Pier Beach closed the pier through Thursday. Protective berm construction is expected to begin Monday and extend about a mile along the shoreline.

"These waves are epic and El Niño proves it," said Brandi Kopp of Ventura.

Residents and visitors along the coast said the surf was significantly larger than usual.

"Normally it's like 2-3 feet, these look like 8-10 feet," said Ed McMichael of Ventura.

A high surf advisory remains in effect through Tuesday. Waves between 10 and 14 feet reached the top of the pier.

"This is unusually large swell," McMichael said.

Despite the dangerous conditions, some surfers entered the water while lifeguards patrolled nearby.

"It's not the best conditions but it's big and it's fun," one surfer said.

The effects of El Niño stretched across the Malibu coastline and Los Angeles County beaches, leading officials to close both Manhattan Beach Pier and Hermosa Beach Pier to pedestrian traffic. Waves along the coast reached 10 to 12 feet, and those who entered the water encountered strong rip currents.

"There was definitely a rip out there it was laucbhing us southward if we started swimming we'd definitely would've hit those rocks back there but it's powerful," said Ben Black of Ventura.

While some people chose to swim and surf, officials advised residents and visitors to stay out of the water until conditions improve.