Dangerous rip currents and surf up to 7 feet are hitting La Jolla's coastline through Tuesday morning, Oct. 20, with a separate storm system expected to bring widespread rain by midweek.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a beach hazards statement covering San Diego County coastal areas, warning of breaking waves between 3 and 6 feet with local sets reaching 7 feet. The highest surf is expected on south- and southwest-facing beaches, including stretches along La Jolla's shore.
The NWS warned that rip currents could drag swimmers and surfers offshore. Breaking waves also pose a risk of knocking people off rocks and capsizing small boats close to shore. South-facing beaches may see minor erosion.
The hazards come as La Jolla's beaches are still recovering from Tropical Storm Rachel, which stripped sand from Windansea Beach earlier in October. CBS 8 reported that waves crashed over Windansea's landmark Surf Shack during that storm, leaving stairways suspended above exposed rocks.
The NWS urged beachgoers to obey posted warning signs and flags, talk to a lifeguard before swimming and stay off rock jetties.
Rain and cooler temperatures ahead
San Diego County is expected to shift from unseasonably warm weather to cooler conditions as a low-pressure system moves in from the northwest, Times of San Diego reported Sunday, Oct. 18, citing the NWS.
The change begins Tuesday, with onshore winds returning low clouds and fog to the coast. The greatest chance of widespread rain falls Wednesday night, Oct. 21, into Thursday, Oct. 22.
Forecasters said there is a 25% to 55% chance of rainfall exceeding 1 inch in parts of the coastal basin and mountains. The NWS also noted a 10% to 15% chance of thunderstorms from the coast to the mountains on Thursday. If storms develop, locally heavy rainfall is possible.
Conditions are expected to dry out by Friday, Oct. 23, with sunshine returning.
Staying safe
Candace Hadley, public information officer with San Diego Fire-Rescue and Lifeguards, told Fox 5 San Diego in August that rip currents drive many of the department's rescues. "Just be mindful of those conditions. Talk to the lifeguards, swim in front of a lifeguard tower, and watch your little ones," Hadley said at the time.
The San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality advised residents during Tropical Storm Rachel to avoid swimming, surfing and diving during rain and for 72 hours afterward. Urban runoff can raise bacteria levels near storm drains, creeks and rivers, the department said in an advisory reported by KPBS on Oct. 12.
The beach hazards statement expires Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 9 a.m.
