Intensifying Tropical Storm Elida to bring turbulent ocean swells to SoCal

Southern California beachgoers could be in for a rough ride as strengthening Tropical Storm Elida churns toward hurricane status, whipping up powerful ocean swells expected to slam the region’s coastline.

Elida, which formed in mid-July, is currently spinning several hundred miles southwest of Los Cabos but is forecast to strengthen into a Category 1 hurricane by Friday.

While the storm will remain well offshore, forecasters warn it will send large, turbulent swells barreling toward San Diego County beaches.

Massive waves crash on the coast of San Diego, California. Getty Images

Illustration of Tropical Storm Elida's probable path, current information, watches, warnings, and current wind field estimate. — Storm Elida is carrying sustained winds of 50 mph. X/@NHC_Pacific

The National Weather Service is closely tracking the storm off the southern tip of Baja California as it curves northwest over the Pacific, where conditions are expected to fuel its rapid intensification.

Despite staying far from land, Elida’s growing strength is expected to be felt along Southern California’s coast through dangerous surf and choppy seas.

Satellite image showing Tropical Storm Elida off the coast of Mexico. — Forecasters said Wednesday that the storm posed no threat to land. NOAA

“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.