News Summary
San Diego and Orange counties are facing high surf and potential thunderstorms as the National Weather Service issues a beach hazards statement. Beachgoers are warned about elevated waves, strong rip currents, and the risk of lightning. The statement is active until early Wednesday morning, urging caution for surfers and beach lovers alike. With high tides and erratic weather patterns expected, it’s advisable to stay safe and avoid the water.
High Surf and Thunderstorm Warnings Hit San Diego and Orange Counties
San Diego is soaking up some sun this week, but Mother Nature has a few surprises in store! The National Weather Service has just issued a beach hazards statement for both San Diego and Orange counties, warning beachgoers of some potentially tricky conditions expected over the next day or two.
What’s Going On?
As of Tuesday morning, the statement was released to keep everyone informed about the upcoming weather changes. The statement, which came out around 8:37 p.m. on Tuesday, is set to remain in effect until Wednesday, June 4, at 2 a.m. So, if you were planning to hit the waves or lounge on the sand, it’s important to be prepared!
Surf’s Up—But Stay Safe!
Surf conditions are expected to be much more exciting than usual, with elevated waves ranging from 3 to 5 feet and sets potentially hitting upwards of 6 feet—especially at those south and southwest-facing beaches. If you’re a surfer, you might be tempted to grab your board and head out, but hold your horses! Those big waves can also bring with them some strong rip currents, which means swimming conditions could be quite hazardous.
The best advice from weather experts? It might be a smart choice to stay out of the water for now. Even experienced swimmers and surfers should be cautious when faced with such unpredictable surf.
Keeping an Eye on the Tide
Beachgoers in San Diego should also be aware that high tide is expected around 6:30 p.m., making the conditions even trickier with an elevation of over 4 feet. High tides and vigorous surf can lead to rapidly changing beach conditions, so be mindful if you’re planning on enjoying the evening by the ocean.
Thunderstorm Risks Lurking Around
In addition to the high surf, the forecast includes the potential for thunderstorms. These thunderstorms could bring along the risk of erratic winds, which could gust up to 30 knots. This is especially concerning for those who enjoy sailing or fishing—better to keep those boats securely on land!
The possibility of a waterspout forming has also been highlighted. While these fascinating weather phenomena can look incredible from a distance, they can also pose serious dangers if you’re too close.
Lightning Concerns
If thunderstorms do roll through the area, there’s a real risk for lightning strikes. Lightning is not only dangerous for anyone caught out in the open but can also be deadly if it strikes the water. It’s vital for everyone at the beach to prioritize safety—wait for the storm to pass before returning to the water, and steer clear of any metal objects, which can attract lightning.
Attention Beach Lovers!
In summary, it’s going to be a bit of a wild weather ride over the next day or so for San Diego and Orange counties. With the beach hazards statement still active through Tuesday night, the message is clear: think twice before jumping in and stay alert to the sky’s mood swings. Call off any plans that involve the sea for now and keep an eye on updates from local weather services for any changes to the forecast or additional warnings.
Stay safe, San Diego! Enjoy the sun from a distance, and look forward to clearer skies ahead.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Wikipedia: Lightning
- Orange County Register
- Google Search: beach hazards San Diego
- KTLA
- Google Scholar: thunderstorms Southern California
- San Luis Obispo Tribune
- Encyclopedia Britannica: surf conditions
- Modesto Bee
- Google News: high surf warnings Southern California
