Northwest storm prompts high-surf warning for Central California
Forecasters are warning of high surf along the Central California coast ahead of a storm system brewing in the Pacific Ocean, with waves expected to reach 13 feet at some beaches.
A low-pressure system off the Pacific Northwest is making its way toward Southern California, bringing with it lower temperatures that are expected reach the L.A. region this weekend, National Weather Service meteorologist Scott Sukup said. While the storm system is likely to deliver much-needed showers in the northern part of the state, no such moisture is expected in the Southland.
The high-surf advisory will be in effect in Central California from Wednesday evening until Friday morning. The forecast calls for waves of 8 to 11 feet, peaking at 13 feet in some areas. The swells are likely to result in stronger rip currents, prompting warnings for surfers and beachgoers.
“Anytime we have high surf like this there is an increased chance of rip tide,” Sukup said.
Although most of the energy from the Northwest storm will be felt in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, it could generate larger-than-average waves on beaches in Los Angeles and Ventura counties Thursday and Friday, the weather service said.
Officials reminded swimmers caught in rip currents to swim parallel to shore until free of its grasp. They also reminded beachgoers who go into the water to stay near a lifeguard during the high-surf advisory.
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