Several areas of the Central Coast and other regions are expected to experience rough waters over the weekend.
A powerful swell will bring dangerous surf conditions to beaches in counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and other Central Coast beaches, along with beaches in Los Angeles County and in Oxnard, according to the National Weather Service.
The advisory for the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara county beaches will take effect at 3 p.m. on May 15, 2026, and remain in place until 9 a.m. on May 18.
Large breaking waves, ranging in height from 10 to 15 feet, can be expected over the weekend, with the largest waves likely on northwest-facing beaches, officials said.
🌊 Beach Safety Advisory – Elevated Surf This Weekend
A long-period south swell is expected to impact SLO County beaches through the weekend, bringing dangerous rip currents, sneaker waves, and large breaking surf.
⚠️ Long lulls between sets may make the ocean appear calm;… pic.twitter.com/N0T3xFH0S1
— CAL FIRE/San Luis Obispo County Fire Department (@CALFIRE_SLO) May 14, 2026
The dangerous waves will be accompanied by rip currents.
In a social media post, authorities said the long-period south swell will also bring sneaker waves to beaches.
Officials warned beachgoers not to mistake long, calm periods of lull between waves, as they will be followed by sudden, longer waves.
Beachgoers are warned to stay alert and never turn their back on the ocean.
Hazardous marine conditions for #SoCal this weekend.
Across the coastal waters, NW winds, gusting 25-45 kt, expected with large and rough seas.
For the beaches, elevated to high surf conditions are expected along with dangerous #ripcurrents. #CAwx pic.twitter.com/jgfHsoVSjv
— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) May 14, 2026
In Ventura County, officials warned of large breaking waves of up to five to eight feet, along with dangerous rip currents. The advisory for Ventura County will begin at 3 p.m. on May 16 and continue through 9 a.m. on May 18.
The dangerous surf conditions will persist throughout Southern California over the weekend, according to NWS forecasts.
Across the coastal waters, north-western winds are expected to gust at 25-45 knots, along with large waves and rough seas, the agency shared in a post on X.
Usually, wind speeds ranging between 25 and 45 knots make walking very difficult, cause large tree branches to move, and result in high, white-crested waves at sea.
There is an increased risk of drowning due to the high wind speeds and powerful waves, the NWS warned. The large waves may also knock people off the rocks and create extreme conditions for small boats operating near the shoreline.
Rip currents are capable of pulling swimmers and surfers out to sea.
Rip currents are powerful, fast-moving channels of water that flow away from the shore, while cutting through breaking waves. Mostly occurring in sandbars and near jetties and piers, rip currents tend to pull people away from the shore, often resulting in people drowning.
The agency urged people to stay out of the water during the advisory period or stay near occupied lifeguard towers if visiting the beach.
Beachgoers were advised not to climb or stand on rock jetties, which can become particularly risky during periods of elevated surf.
In addition to the rough surf, the NWS also warned that minor beach erosion and isolated minor coastal flooding are likely during evening high tides, especially between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on May 16 and 17.
Great to have big waves in our area once again. Looks like Jalama is a good bet along with the Oxnard area to catch the larger tube/curl rides. Winds will be a big factor, especially in the afternoon, so early morning (sunrise tomorrow is a few minutes before 6 AM) will be the best time to go. Please be careful walking on the beach and don’t turn your back to the ocean for long…they don’t call them “sneaker waves” for nothing (YouTube has a number of incredible sneaker wave vids). Bottom line is to be super aware and careful when the surf is up…don’t be a statistic!
Bend knees, emit flatulence.
All true, other than the fact that there are no waves to speak of this side of Point Conception.