Santa Cruz: High Surf Advisory Issued, 22-Foot Breakers Possible

SANTA CRUZ COAST, CA — A high surf advisory has been issued from 3 p.m. Thursday to 3 a.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Coastal areas of California from the North Bay to Big Sur Coast could see breakers of 16 to 22 feet and northwest swells of 12 to 14 feet.

Beach erosion, strong rip currents and increased wave run-up over large rocks and jetties is possible, NWS wrote.

"Use extra caution near the surf zone as these large waves will be capable of sweeping people into the frigid and turbulent ocean water," NWS wrote. "Cold water shock may cause cardiac arrest, and it also can cause an involuntary gasp reflex causing drowning, even for a good swimmer."

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