Beach enthusiasts in Southern California might find themselves facing turbulent waters soon, as Tropical Storm Elida gains momentum. Transforming into a hurricane, the storm is set to unleash formidable ocean swells that will crash against the region’s shores.
Elida, which emerged in the middle of July, is currently whirling several hundred miles southwest of Los Cabos. Meteorologists predict that by Friday, it will escalate to a Category 1 hurricane.
Although Elida will stay far from the coast, experts caution that it will still send massive, churning waves racing towards the beaches of San Diego County.
The National Weather Service is diligently monitoring the storm as it tracks off the southern tip of Baja California. The storm is curving northwest over the Pacific, where environmental conditions are likely to enhance its rapid strengthening.
Even though Elida will not directly hit land, its increasing intensity is anticipated to significantly affect Southern California’s coast, resulting in hazardous surf conditions and tumultuous seas.
“Elida is expected to become a hurricane Thursday night or early Friday before reaching its peak intensity on Friday,” the NWS said in a social media post.
As of Thursday, Elida is carrying sustained winds of 50 mph. It will officially be classified as a Category 1 hurricane if its winds reach between 74 and 95 mph.
Storm Elida formed in the Pacific Ocean posed no threat to land Wednesday, forecasters said.
The last tropical storm to have a major impact on Southern California was Tropical Storm Hilary in August 2023. The once-in-a-generation soaking brought record-breaking rainfall, triggered widespread flash flooding, and washed out roads.
The rare tropical storm—the first to hit the region in decades—forced evacuations, stranded motorists and served as a stark reminder that even weakening Pacific hurricanes can pack a devastating punch.