Beachgoers in Southern California might soon face some challenging conditions due to Tropical Cyclone Elida. The storm, currently situated several hundred miles southwest of Los Cabos, is anticipated to reach hurricane strength, bringing with it powerful ocean swells and tumultuous waves along the coastline.
Since its formation in mid-July, Elida is expected to become a Category 1 hurricane by Friday. Although the storm will stay offshore, forecasters caution that large, rough swells could impact the San Diego County coastline.
The National Weather Service is actively monitoring the storm as it drifts northwest over the Pacific Ocean, predicting that it may intensify rapidly.
Even though Elida remains far from land, its increasing strength is likely to create hazardous waves and choppy seas along Southern California’s coast.
As of Thursday, Elida had sustained winds reaching 80 mph. If these winds rise to between 74 and 95 mph, it will be classified as a Category 1 hurricane. There has been no indication that Elida poses a threat of making landfall.
The last major tropical cyclone to affect Southern California was Tropical Storm Hillary in August 2023, which caused unprecedented flooding and massive rainfall, leading to significant flash floods and damaged infrastructure.
This rare storm — the first of its kind in decades — caused evacuations and stranded drivers, underscoring the potential devastation even weaker Pacific hurricanes can bring.
