Southern California beaches are bracing for turbulent ocean swells as Tropical Storm Elida strengthens offshore. The storm, which formed in mid-July, is currently located several hundred miles southwest of Los Cabos and is forecast to intensify into a Category 1 hurricane by Friday.
Despite remaining well off the coast, Elida is expected to generate large, powerful waves that will impact San Diego County beaches. Forecasters with the National Weather Service are closely monitoring the storm as it moves northwest over the Pacific, where conditions are favorable for its rapid intensification.
As of Thursday, Elida had sustained winds of 50 mph. The storm is projected to reach hurricane strength, with sustained winds between 74 and 95 mph, by Thursday night or early Friday before peaking in intensity on Friday. Forecasters have stated that the storm poses no direct threat to land.
The last significant tropical storm to affect Southern California was Tropical Storm Hilary in August 2023. That storm brought record rainfall, widespread flooding, and road washouts, serving as a reminder of the potential impact of weakening Pacific hurricanes.