Beach Hazards Statement
Orange and San Diego counties, CA · ended Today 5:24 AM PST
A beach hazards statement for beach lightning means that there is the potential for cloud to ground or cloud to water lightning strikes which could result in injury or death. Move indoors until the storm passes and stay away from metal objects. Inexperienced swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions.
...HIGH SURF ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 10 AM PST SUNDAY...
* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, cloud to ground lightning expected as a band of thunderstorms moves ashore. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 5 to 7 feet with sets to 8 to 9 feet at west facing beaches. High rip current risk.
* WHERE...San Diego County Coastal Areas and Orange County Coastal Areas.
* WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, until 8 AM PST this morning. For the High Surf Advisory, from 4 PM this afternoon to 10 AM PST Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Cloud to ground lightning is expected at beaches through 8 AM. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The thunderstorms and lightning threat will diminish after 8 AM. Tides will be falling during this time, but adjusted high tides will be near 7 feet which could combine with the high surf to produce localized beach erosion and overflow into parking lots and boardwalks. Surf begins to wane Sunday afternoon but may remain elevated for west-facing beaches into Monday.
What to do during a Beach Hazards Statement
- 1Stay out of the waterEven strong swimmers can be pulled away.
- 2If a rip current pulls youDon’t fight it. Swim parallel to the shore, then back in, or float and wave for help.
- 3Stay off rocks and jettiesLarge waves can sweep people away.
Watch vs. Warning
Beach Hazards Statement questions
What is a rip current?
A narrow, fast channel of water flowing away from the shore.