The National Weather Service has issued a high surf and flooding advisory effective from 05:36 PST on 01-12-2010 to 13:00 PST on 01-14-2010. Hazardous surf will affect southern and central California later today through early Friday and coastal flooding is possible near the times of high tide early Wednesday through early Thursday afternoon.
From The National Weather Service:
During the peak of this surf event (Wednesday through Thursday morning) surf is expected to average 15 to 20 feet on beaches north of Point Conception with occasional breakers over 25 feet on favored west facing beaches. On west facing beaches of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties surf is expected to reach 8 to 12 feet with local sets as high as 17 feet on exposed west facing beaches.
There will be dangerous rip currents on all area beaches through Friday, even the most experienced swimmers should stay out of the water during this event. Rocks and jetties will be especially dangerous as waves can unexpectedly sweep persons into the water.
Astronomical tides will be rather high Wednesday through Thursday running around 6 feet during the morning high tides. Large waves on top of these high tides may cause flooding of low lying beach areas within a few hours on either side of the high tides Wednesday morning, Wednesday evening and Thursday morning therefore a coastal flood watch has been posted. In addition to the threat of coastal flooding, significant beach erosion is also a possibility. Residents in low lying beach areas susceptible to coastal flooding should act now to protect property and remain alert for later statements or warnings.
Affected areas include: Los Angeles County Coast including Catalina Island, Santa Barbara County South Coast, Ventura County Coast.
