‘Supermoon’ bringing more high tides to Southland beaches

This weekend’s “supermoon” is having people looking to the skies, but weather experts warn the big moon is also bringing high tides to local beaches.

The National Weather Service said high tides of up to 7 feet can be expected at some Southern California beaches by 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.

No damage was reported from high tides on Friday night.

“Due to the complex bathymetry along the California Coast, rip currents are always possible. Always swim near a lifeguard,” the National Weather Service said in a statement.

The scientific phenomenon known as “perigee moon” will appear not only once, but three times this summer -- on July 12, Aug. 10 and Sept. 9 -- all on days that full moons are expected, according to NASA.

Last year’s “supermoon” was 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon, prompting many Southern California residents to pick up a camera and observe the spectacle.

Saturday’s “supermoon” appeared at 4:25 a.m., so far making it the closest and largest full moon this year, according to the National Weather Service.

Aug. 10th’s “supermoon” should be especially large because it will become full at the same hour of perigee.

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