Residents in San Diego and Orange Counties are urged to brace themselves for a weekend of hazardous weather conditions, with forecasters issuing a High Surf Warning and a Coastal Flood Advisory through Sunday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has reported that surf heights are expected to reach an alarming 6-15 feet in Orange County and an even more formidable 8-15 feet in San Diego County, posing a significant threat of strong rip currents, minor coastal flooding, and beach erosion, according to their website.
Forecast discussions have noted that large waves up to 15 feet have battered Imperial Beach and Sunset Cliffs in southern San Diego County and Huntington Beach in Orange County. The NWS has emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that "dangerously large breaking waves" can sweep people off jetties and docks into perilous seas and can lead to life-threatening swimming conditions. They advise the public to avoid waterside infrastructure and to take necessary precautions to protect flood-prone property, as noted on the NWS warning page.
Adding to the concern is the chance of thunderstorms on Saturday, especially near the coast, which could result in locally higher rainfall amounts. Travelers are being told to expect potential disruptions, as some roads may be closed, and not to attempt to drive through flooded areas. According to an NWS San Diego post, locals should remain out of the water due to the "life-threatening" surf conditions throughout the weekend.
High surf through this weekend from 6-12 feet in Orange Cnty and 8-15 feet in San Diego Cnty. On Thursday, sets to 11 feet were reported at Huntington Beach in Orange Cnty, and to 15 feet at Imperial Beach and Sunset Cliffs in southern San Diego Cnty. #cawx pic.twitter.com/r1tGreUM25
— NWS San Diego (@NWSSanDiego) December 28, 2023
The weather upheaval is not restricted to coastal regions, with the forecast discussion on the NWS site indicating scattered showers on Saturday and a cooler weather trend set to continue into the following week. Ahead of the high surf conditions, beach-goers faced morning high tides in La Jolla, reaching up to 5.7 feet on Friday, expected to subside slightly to 4.9 feet by Sunday. For those facing travel plans, extra time should potentially be allotted for navigating any closures or barricades, reports the NWS Forecast Discussion.
Weather officials update the situation as it develops, urging residents and visitors to monitor the latest advisories. The detailed forecast anticipates some respite later in the week with possible sunny conditions by Tuesday. However, the possibility for showers returns within a few days, as outlined on the NWS Detailed Forecast page.
