Beach Bacteria Advisories Issued in Seal Beach Following Rain

Due to rain that soaked the Seal Beach area overnight and is expected to continue sporadically into tomorrow, Orange County health officials Thursday warned beach-goers to avoid swimming near storm drains, creeks and rivers emptying into the ocean.

County health officials issued a beach advisory, warning that bacteria, debris, trash and other health hazards from city streets and mountain areas can enter the ocean from the storm drains and rivers draining into the water.

"The elevated levels of bacteria can continue for a period of at least 3 days depending upon the intensity of the rain and the volume of the runoff," officials said in the advisory. "Swimmers should avoid coastal waters impacted by discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers, and beach users should avoid contact with any runoff on the beach during dry or wet weather conditions."

The county's advisory will remain in effect until further notice. Updates on beach advisories can be found on the Orange County Environmental Health website. 

- City News Service also contributed to this report.