High surf, rip currents to hit California coast
Big waves and strong rip currents will develop along the California coast this week, weather officials say.
The National Weather Service on Monday issued a high surf advisory for coastal areas stretching from San Luis Obispo to San Diego counties, where the high surf and rip currents will develop.
The conditions are being created by a series of swells generated by storms moving over the north-central Pacific Ocean.
West- and northwest-facing beaches along the Central Coast will experience waves from 8 to 12 feet high, with occasional sets to 14 feet, weather officials say.
In Southern California, west-facing beaches will see waves reach 4 to 6 feet, with occasional sets 7 to 8 feet. Larger waves are expected Tuesday in some spots.
Officials say the swells will also produce sneaker waves, which are capable of washing people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches. They are warning people attempting to go into the water about the strong rip currents.
Beach erosion is expected to be minor for some beaches.
Monday’s advisory is to remain in effect until Wednesday morning, when the swell will weaken. But a much larger swell will develop by Friday, weather officials said.
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