STORM ADVISORY: High Surf, Breakers To 27 Feet In Santa Cruz Co.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — A frontal system moving through the California waters Tuesday night is expected to bring swell heights 17-20 feet in northern Monterey Bay with breakers 22-27 feet in some areas, according to the National Weather Service. The storm is also expected to bring snowfall into the peaks of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the NWS reported.

A high surf advisory is in effect from 10 p.m. Tuesday through 3 p.m. Wednesday.

"Large breaking waves along the coast will lead to increased wave run-up on beaches with waves topping and washing over large rocks and jetties," the NWS reported. "Use extra caution near the surf zone as these large waves will be capable of sweeping people into the frigid and turbulent ocean water. Cold water shock may cause cardiac arrest, and it also can cause an involuntary gasp reflex causing drowning, even for a good swimmer. The surf zone will be dangerous due to strong currents and powerful breaking waves."

The storm is also bringing wind, rain and the possibility of snow with it. A wind advisory is in effect from 4 p.m. Tuesday to 4 a.m. Wednesday for the Santa Cruz Mountains, where snow may also fall on peaks, according to the NWS.

"A strong low pressure system and associated cold front will impact the San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey Bay Area this afternoon and overnight, producing widespread rain and strong,
gusty winds. South to southwest winds will quickly increase this afternoon in advance of the cold front and become strong and gusty by late afternoon," the NWS reported.

The strongest winds are expected between about 6 pm and 10 pm Tuesday.

"Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Treelimbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result," the NWS reported.