Storm Brings High Surf, Threat of Flooding

A high surf advisory will take effect tonight and remain in force through Saturday, National Weather Service forecasters said.

A powerful storm will bring pounding surf along the coast, with the second of two westerly swells reaching the outer waters Thursday afternoon and spreading. Forecasters said the high surf is likely to cause significant beach erosion and flood piers and jetties, low-lying areas and beachside parking lots. They said waves of between 7 and 10 feet are expected, with local sets of up to 13 feet along some west-facing beaches.

“Avoid standing on jetties, piers and rocks near the edge of the water,” warned an NWS statement. “Remember to never turn your back to the ocean during large surf events.

Forecasters warned swimmers who may get caught up in strong rip currents to swim parallel to shore until they can free themselves.

“Always swim near a lifeguard,” the high surf advisory statement said.

• City News Service