High Surf and Wind Advisories Remain in Effect for Santa Barbara County

As a storm continues to impact Santa Barbara County, the National Weather Service has issued beach hazard and high surf advisories for the region.

The beach hazards statement remains in effect through Friday evening for Santa Barbara County’s southwestern and southeastern coasts.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Los Angeles/Oxnard office issued a Beach Hazards Statement warning of dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf along Santa Barbara County’s southwestern and southeastern coasts.

Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea, increasing the risk of ocean drowning. Large breaking waves may wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore, according to the NWS.

The Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect through Friday evening.

The NWS advises residents to remain out of the water due to hazardous swimming conditions or stay near occupied lifeguard towers if entering the ocean. Officials also warn that rock jetties can be especially dangerous during elevated surf and should be avoided.

In addition, the NWS has issued a High Surf Advisory for Santa Barbara County Central Coast beaches through 10 p.m. Friday.

Large breaking waves between 10 and 15 feet are expected, along with dangerous rip currents. The elevated surf could wash people off beaches and rocks and create hazardous conditions for small boats near shore.

Officials warn that the combination of large waves and strong currents significantly increases the risk of injury and ocean-related accidents.

Residents and visitors are urged to use caution along the shoreline as elevated surf and gusty winds move through the region.

A Wind Advisory also remains in effect for Santa Barbara County until 9 p.m. Thursday.

Southwest winds of 15 to 30 mph are forecast, with gusts up to 45 mph, according to the NWS.

Gusty winds may blow around unsecured outdoor objects, down tree limbs and cause isolated power outages.

Drivers are advised to use extra caution, especially when operating high-profile vehicles.

According to the NWS forecast, rain is expected mainly before 10 a.m. Thursday, with gradual clearing later in the day. A slight chance of showers remains Thursday night before skies begin to clear. By Friday, conditions are expected to turn mostly sunny, with partly cloudy weather forecast for the weekend.

Officials recommend closely monitoring weather updates as conditions continue to change. Residents are also urged to avoid flooded or barricaded roads and to plan alternate routes if travel is necessary.