Californians Urged to Stay Away from Beaches as Approaching Storm Brings Risk of Bacterial Contamination in Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara Counties

A Stormy Situation for California’s Beaches

Californians have been advised to steer clear of certain beaches as a storm heads toward the coast, bringing with it the potential for bacterial contamination.

The situation is made worse by an accidental sewage leak that spilled 80,000 tons of waste into the ocean off California’s coast.

Heavy Rain and Rising Concerns

Rainstorms are expected to hit Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties starting Thursday, which increases the risk of water pollution.

Officials warn that the rain could also carry debris, like fallen trees, into the water, which could lead to injuries.

The storm is expected to drop up to six inches of rain in Southern California, heightening concerns for those still recovering from recent wildfires.

The combination of heavy rain and flooding could make matters worse for locals already dealing with the aftermath of the fires.

Beaches and Water Safety Warnings

Due to the storm and the lingering effects of the sewage leak, several beaches have been closed, while others are under advisories.

The Ventura County Resource Management Agency has specifically warned beachgoers that stormwater runoff may bring harmful bacteria to the shore.

This follows last week’s beach closures after the massive sewage leak from an Oxnard wastewater treatment plant.

Beaches like Port Hueneme Park and Ormond Beach in Oxnard were shut down temporarily, but they’ve since reopened.

On Wednesday, the Resource Management Agency advised visitors to stay out of the water at Promenade Park Beach in Ventura and Channel Island Harbor Beach Park’s Kiddie Beach in Oxnard due to the potential contamination.

Flash Flood Warnings and Rising Flood Risks

The ongoing storm is expected to bring up to eight inches of rain to mountain areas and trigger flash flood warnings in parts of California.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has urged people to avoid contact with ocean water, especially near storm drains, creeks, and rivers, where bacterial levels may be dangerously high.

This warning will remain in effect until at least Monday morning.

While it’s safe to enjoy the beach, visitors are advised to stay clear of fire debris and avoid going into the water during advisory periods.

Additional Beach Closures and Contamination Alerts

Long Beach has also issued a rain advisory for its seven miles of beaches.

This advisory will last until 72 hours after the rainfall ends.

In San Diego, several beaches remain under warnings due to high bacteria levels, including La Jolla Cove and Coronado Shoreline.

Other areas like Imperial Beach and Coronado’s Silver Strand are still closed, and a stretch of shoreline from San Diego Bay to Point Loma was shut down earlier this week after a Navy jet crash.

Additionally, the beach near Tijuana, which was closed in December 2021 due to contamination from across the border, remains off-limits.

With a storm moving in, Californians are urged to stay safe, avoid water contact, and heed all beach advisories to prevent any health risks.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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