Coastal regions across California and Hawaii are issuing high surf advisories and warnings as a significant storm system moves in. Residents and beachgoers are urged to exercise extreme caution due to dangerous wave conditions, strong currents, and potential for heavy rainfall and high winds impacting various areas through Tuesday.
Key Takeaways
- High surf advisories are in effect for coastal areas in California, including San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, with waves expected to reach 7 to 11 feet, and local sets up to 13 feet.
- Hawaii’s east shores experienced high surf advisories, which have since been canceled for most islands as swells diminish.
- Santa Barbara County is also preparing for heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding, mudslides, and rockslides.
- Dangerous rip currents and large breaking waves pose a significant risk of drowning and injury to swimmers and surfers.
California Coastline Faces Dangerous Waves
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a high surf advisory for San Luis Obispo County Beaches and Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches, valid until Tuesday morning. Expect large breaking waves ranging from 7 to 11 feet, with local sets reaching up to 13 feet. The NWS warns of dangerous rip currents, increasing the risk of ocean drowning. Swimmers and surfers are advised to stay out of the water or remain near lifeguard towers. Rock jetties are particularly hazardous and should be avoided.
Hawaii’s East Shores See Surf Advisory Canceled
High surf advisories for the east shores of all Hawaii islands have been canceled as the short-period easterly swell begins to subside. While surf of 8 to 10 feet was expected, conditions are now lowering. A small craft advisory had also been in effect for certain waters around Kauai and Oahu.
Santa Barbara County Braces for a Multi-Hazard Storm
Santa Barbara County is anticipating a significant storm system that will bring steady rain through Monday, followed by scattered showers into Tuesday. The NWS forecasts a chance of thunderstorms with brief, heavy downpours, leading to potential roadway flooding, small-stream flooding, and mudslides, especially in burn scar areas. Snow levels may drop to 5,000-6,000 feet. Strong winds, hail, and lightning are also possible. Los Padres National Forest gates and roads in sensitive areas will be closed. Residents are advised to travel with caution, as Highway 166 may experience debris flows, flooding, and closures. No evacuations have been ordered, but residents feeling unsafe are encouraged to leave before rainfall begins.
Safety Precautions Amidst Hazardous Conditions
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and heed all warnings from ocean safety officials. The combination of large waves and strong currents makes swimming dangerous. In Santa Barbara, residents are advised to monitor weather updates, prepare their homes for strong winds that could cause power outages, and have a plan for potential flash floods or thunderstorms. Securing loose outdoor items and staying clear of downed utility lines are also recommended.
Sources
- San Luis Obispo County Beaches and Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches high surf advisory updates for
Tuesday, Fresno Bee. - High surf advisory canceled for eastern shores of Hawaii, Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
- UPDATE: High surf advisory for east-facing shores canceled as northeast swell diminishes : Big Island Now, Big Island Now.
- High Surf and Strong Storm System to Impact Santa Barbara Through Tuesday, edhat.
- UPDATE: High surf advisory for east-facing shores canceled as northeast swell diminishes : Big Island Now, Big Island Now.
