Dangerous rip currents and minor coastal flooding threaten Ventura County beaches through Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 13, as swells from post-tropical Rachel continue to hit the Southern California coast.

The National Weather Service office in Oxnard issued a Beach Hazards Statement and a Coastal Flood Advisory for Ventura County beaches. The Beach Hazards Statement runs through 5 p.m. Tuesday. The Coastal Flood Advisory expires at 2 p.m.

High tides are expected to peak between 7.1 and 7.3 feet Tuesday morning, according to the advisory. That level is well above normal tidal ranges and can push seawater into low-lying beach and harbor areas, parking lots, boardwalks and roads. Large secondary high tides are also expected each evening.

The NWS warned of an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats nearshore.

Rachel is the third storm system to send swells toward Southern California in six weeks, following Hurricane Marie over Labor Day weekend and Hurricane Polo in late September, the Los Angeles Times reported. NWS Meteorologist-in-Charge Ariel Cohen told the Times on Friday, Oct. 9, that Rachel's swell, coming from the south and phasing with a swell from the west, would bring coastal flooding concerns through Tuesday.

The coast between Malibu and Ventura was specifically flagged by the NWS Oxnard office as an area of concern, the Times reported. NWS Oxnard meteorologist Kristan Lund warned in an Oct. 7 interview with the Times about deceptive conditions.

"Make sure you check in with lifeguards to know the conditions, to know if it's safe to swim," Lund said. "It can be pretty deceiving until you're out there and realize how strong the rip currents actually are."

The NWS advises beachgoers to stay out of the water or remain near occupied lifeguard towers. The agency warned people to stay off rock jetties, which it called "deadly" in these conditions, and not to drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.

The Coastal Flood Advisory expires at 2 p.m. Tuesday and the Beach Hazards Statement at 5 p.m.