Eugene to create dangerous surf along Southern California beaches

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Large waves from former Hurricane Eugene will reach the coast of Southern California and threaten bathers and boaters on Thursday.

"Eugene, once a Category 3 hurricane, has diminished over cool water and within dry air," according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski.

However, waves already generated by the former hurricane will continue to reach the California coast.

Eugene became the strongest tropical system in the Eastern Pacific so far this season last weekend.

The increased threat for coastal waters comes following several days of extreme heat in the southwestern United States. While the latest heat wave is past its peak, thousands will still be heading to the beach for relief or summer vacation this week.

With Eugene well offshore and to the south, waves that propagate northward will bring the heaviest surf to the south-facing beaches on Thursday. Into Thursday evening, waves can reach 6 to 8 feet.

However, large waves and rip currents will affect many of the beaches throughout the coast of Southern California.

Waves can be large enough to break over low-lying walkways, breakwaters and piers along the shoreline.

Bathers and novice boarders should use extreme caution when entering the surf this week and heed all advisories. Locally hazardous conditions may continue into Friday.

Small craft operators should use caution.

Meanwhile, Fernanda is strengthening several hundred miles south of Eugene.

"This new system has the potential to wander into the waters surrounding Hawaii around July 23-25," according to AccuWeather Meteorolgist Eric Leister.