Surfers Enjoy High Surf at El Porto Beach

Surfers took advantage of the large swell and offshore winds Thursday afternoon at El Porto in Manhattan Beach as the National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory for much of area.

The parking lot at El Porto resembled a busy summer weekend day as dozens of surfers paddled out to the popular surf spot at low tide.

According to the National Weather Service, waves up to 16 feet hit west facing beaches throughout the day, prompting warnings for swimmers and surfers. 

A couple of strong storm systems over the north and central Pacific Ocean generated swells affecting most of the exposed west-facing beaches in Los Angeles County and will continue to pound beaches through Sunday.

The highest surf will be Friday and Saturday, and diminish into Sunday morning, according to the NWS.

A dangerous rip current is expected, and conditions are hazardous for anyone entering the water. 

A series of storm systems is moving across Southwestern California, bringing light to moderate rain until Sunday. Snow levels are expected to remain above 8,000 feet. Los Angeles County will see about 3/4 to 1.5-inches of rain from Thursday to Sunday.

“The storm on Sunday has the potential to be the strongest,” according to the NWS advisory.

- Marina del Rey editor David Carini also contributed to this report