Powerful ocean waves are set to return to California's coastline following a brief calm during the Christmas holiday. The National Weather Service has issued a high-surf advisory as waves up to 30 feet high are expected to pound Northern California's shores from Thursday through Sunday afternoon.
This latest surge comes after a week of destructive coastal conditions that caused significant damage, including the partial collapse of the historic Santa Cruz Wharf and a fatal incident in Monterey Bay involving storm debris.
"The last time we saw swells like this was probably early January 2023," said National Weather Service meteorologist Brayden Murdock. While such extreme conditions are unusual, they align with typical winter patterns along California's coast.
The Bay Area forecast includes temperatures in the low 60s with heavy rain potential and patchy fog through the weekend. Officials warn of possible flooding in local creeks and urban areas.
Southern California faces milder conditions, with waves between 5 to 10 feet in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Areas further north, including San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, could see waves up to 15 feet lasting through the week.
The weather system brings additional challenges to Southern California, which is experiencing abnormally dry conditions. Downtown Los Angeles has received only 0.16 inches of rain since October, far below the typical 4 inches expected by this time in the wet season.
Weather officials advise residents to exercise extreme caution near coastal areas and warn swimmers and boaters of dangerous ocean conditions. Motorists in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys should prepare for strong gusts that may affect driving conditions, particularly for larger vehicles.