Large waves from Eugene will reach the coast of Southern California and threaten bathers and boaters through the middle of this week.

"Eugene, once a Category 3 hurricane, will slowly weaken over cool water and within dry air over the next few days," according to AccuWeather Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski.

The circulation center of Eugene was located about 510 miles southwest of San Diego, California as of Wednesday morning.

Eugene became the strongest tropical system in the Eastern Pacific so far this season during this past weekend.

While Eugene will not impact California with wind and rain, waves radiating outward from the center of the storm will reach Southern California waters.

The increased threat for coastal waters comes following several days of extreme heat in the southwestern United States. While the latest heat wave is past its peak, thousands will still be heading to the beach for relief or summer vacation this week.

With Eugene well offshore and to the south, waves that propagate northward will bring the heaviest surf to the south-facing beaches into Thursday morning. Waves during this period can reach 6 to 10 feet.

However, large waves and rip currents will affect many of the beaches throughout the coast of Southern California.

Waves can be large enough to cause considerable over-wash and minor coastal flooding along the beachfront.

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Bathers and novice boarders should use extreme caution when entering the surf this week and heed all advisories.

Small craft operators should use caution and be prepared for a large southerly swell.

As Eugene diminishes while at sea, waves and rip currents will diminish later Thursday and Friday.

Meanwhile, another tropical system is developing several hundred miles south of Eugene.

The next name on the list of tropical storms and hurricanes for the Eastern Pacific basin is Fernanda.

"This new system has the potential to wander into the waters surrounding Hawaii around July 23-25," according to AccuWeather Meteorolgist Eric Leister.

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Eugene to create dangerous surf along Southern California beaches - AccuWeather.com