A high surf advisory has been issued for San Diego beaches through Wednesday. With the waves come both delight and danger, NBC 7’s Todd Strain explains.
A high surf advisory is in effect for San Diego's beaches, according to the National Weather Service
The advisory kicked in Saturday at about 10 p.m. and will be in effect through Wednesday at 4 a.m.
High surf from 6-12 feet is expected, with some sets reaching up to 13 feet.
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NBC 7's Francella Perez said the waves were going to create life-threatening surfing and swimming conditions, and that officials were urging people who were not very experienced surfers and swimmers to stay out of the water, and away from jetties and piers. She also said another swell is expected next week.
Officials are also warning that is also a a high risk of strong rip currents, making it dangerous for both surfers and swimmers.
The surf could cause minor flooding in low-lying areas along the beach, boardwalks and parking lots.
Weather
Farther north, in Orange County, the advisory is still in effect, but with sets only reaching 11 feet on west-facing beaches.
A small-craft advisory for the same time period has also been issued for boats 30-60 nautical miles offshore, where seas are expected to reach 8-11 feet.
As if that wasn't enough reason to stay out of the water, some San Diego County beaches have been deemed unhealthy for swimmers and surfers Sunday because of high bacteria levels, according to county health officials.
Water contact closures were issued for the following locations due to bacteria levels exceeding health standards:
- Silver Strand Shoreline, ocean shoreline from north Carnation to south of Avenida Lunar
- Imperial Beach Shoreline, ocean shoreline from the south end of Seacoast Drive through north of Carnation Avenue
- Tijuana Slough Shoreline, ocean shoreline from U.S./Mexico border, including Border Field State Park and the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge due to cross-boundary flows
Additionally, a water contact advisory was issued for the following location due to bacteria levels exceeding health standards: La Jolla, Children's Pool.
More information on water contamination in San Diego County can be found here.
Learn more about San Diego's winter outlook the return of La Niña.
