Higher than average surf with sets of up to 10 feet are expected at beaches south of La Jolla Monday morning as a large northwest swell hits the Southern California coast.
A National Weather Service high surf advisory is scheduled to take effect at 6 a.m. Monday and extend until 6 p.m. Tuesday. Surf of 5 to 8 feet and local sets to 10 feet are expected, along with high tides near 6 feet at 6:15 a.m. Monday and around 6.4 feet at 6:45 a.m. Tuesday.
"A large northwest swell with a long period will create high surf along the beaches of San Diego and Orange counties," according to the weather service. "Highest surf will occur north of Newport Beach and south of La Jolla."
The elevated surf combined with strong rip currents is expected to cause dangerous swimming conditions. Forecasters said large waves may break over jetties and sea walls and minor beach erosion is possible with slight coastal flooding during the highest high tides.
The surf is expected to lower somewhat Tuesday afternoon but ramp up again late Thursday as a larger swell arrives. Very large and potentially damaging surf will again be possible late Thursday into Friday.
"Surf will temporarily diminish Tuesday night into early Thursday before another large northwest swell arrives late Thursday and Friday," according to the weather service. "Stay informed on this new swell."
Also late Thursday into Friday, periods of rain, snow, and strong gusty west winds in the mountains and deserts are expected.
