Hurricane Marie brings dangerous ocean conditions, soggy weather to SoCal

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Set us as preferred Would-be beachgoers, be wary: Although Hurricane Marie is expected to stay hundreds of miles off the California coast over Labor Day weekend, forecasters are expecting rain and hazardous ocean conditions.Rain is forecast to start Saturday night across Southern California, but Sunday is expected to be the wettest day of the weekend with widespread but light rainfall measuring less than a quarter inch.Higher-elevation areas, such as the San Gabriel Mountains, will probably see heavier rain — up to three-quarters of an inch.

There is also a 5% to 15% chance of thunderstorms on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.Drive with caution, if you must.

The weather service said in its forecast that despite the light rainfall amounts, roads are expected to be “quite slick” due to the buildup of oils over the last several months.Even from a distance, Marie’s mark will be most acutely felt along the coast.The hurricane, which has reached Category 2 strength with sustained winds of 100 mph as it tracks north and west of the Baja California peninsula, is expected to deliver a 6- to 8-foot south swell bringing strong surf and rip currents to local beaches.The weather service has issued coastal flood and high surf advisories encompassing Santa Catalina and Santa Barbara islands, Malibu, Los Angeles and Ventura County.

The advisories go into effect at 6 a.m.Saturday and run through 11 p.m.

Tuesday.“The best course of action is to stay out of the water,” National Weather Service meteorologist Devin Black said.“It’s the safest thing to do.” California Forecasters expect strong surf and rip currents and a chance of rain, thunderstorms and muggy weather as people flock to the coast during the long weekend.Large breaking waves and rip currents — which the weather service has described as “...