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Huge waves in California lure surfers, cause minor flooding

Big waves challenge surfers at Malibu, Calif., as a long-period, south swell moved into the Southern California Bight on Sunday, May 3, 2015. The National Weather Service said the swell, with a period of about 20 seconds, would translate to surf of 5 feet to 8 feet with local sets to 10 feet at favored south-facing beaches including Malibu. Beachgoers were warned to expect powerful rip currents. (AP Photo/John Antczak)
Big waves challenge surfers at Malibu, Calif., as a long-period, south swell moved into the Southern California Bight on Sunday, May 3, 2015. The National Weather Service said the swell, with a period of about 20 seconds, would translate to surf of 5 feet to 8 feet with local sets to 10 feet at favored south-facing beaches including Malibu. Beachgoers were warned to expect powerful rip currents. (AP Photo/John Antczak)

By Associated Press 1 min read

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Big surf generated by a Southern Hemisphere storm is rolling ashore along south-facing sections of the Southern California coast.

The surf drew large crowds over the weekend to watch daring bodysurfers challenge towering waves at the famous Wedge in Newport Beach.

High tide coupled with swell caused minor flooding Sunday night along beachfront homes in low-lying Seal Beach. Water washed up over the boardwalk, but there was no property damage, Sgt. Ron LaVelle said.

Lifeguards filled sandbags Monday morning and planned to dig trenches to divert water from the lowest spots of the beach.

The highest surf is expected Monday, with some sets up to 12 feet along Orange and San Diego counties and 10 feet at Malibu and Zuma in Los Angeles County, according to the National Weather Service.