High Surf Warning for Area Beaches

Southland surfers could see overhead waves on beaches this weekend.

The National Weather Service issued a high surf advisory, effective from 9 this morning through noon Monday. Today's swell will be out of the south, with waves breaking at 5-8 feet. Water temperatures will be in the upper 50s.

A westerly swell will start building overnight, and breakers 8-12 feet are expected on west-facing beaches Sunday, with some sets up to about 15 feet, according to the NWS. The biggest waves are expected Sunday evening. 

Some low-lying coastal areas could flood, the NWS said. Sunday's high tides will crest about 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., but the moon tides are moderate at about 4 feet.

If possible, surfers and swimmers should go into the ocean in view of lifeguards. A big surf digs divots in the beach floor, which causes undercurrents that can pull swimmers away from shore. If caught in a "riptide," lifeguards advise swimming parallel to shore until out of the current,
then turning for the beach.

Wave watchers should be wary of jetties and other promontories, because
bigger-than-normal sets of waves can wash over previously dry areas without
warning.