A large west-northwest swell is expected to build throughout the day Thursday and bring high surf to the beaches of San Diego County Thursday night into the weekend.
A National Weather Service high surf advisory is set to take effect at 10 p.m. Thursday and extend until 10 p.m. Saturday. Waves of 4 to 8 feet and sets to 12 feet are expected, with the highest surf south of Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Forecasters said strong rip currents are also likely throughout the advisory period, and minor beach erosion will be possible during the highest tides. The waves may also be high enough to top jetties and sea walls.
The surf is expected to peak Friday afternoon and evening before gradually subsiding on Saturday, according to the weather service. However, a strong Pacific storm expected to arrive by Sunday will lead to choppy high surf through Monday morning.
Significant precipitation, including snow on the mountain passes, and very strong winds will also be possible during the storm, forecasters said.
