High Surf, Coastal Flood Advisories Issued for San Luis Obispo County Beaches

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued high surf and coastal flood advisories for San Luis Obispo County on November 4, 2025, due to expected large waves and rising tide levels. 

The high surf advisory is in effect from noon on November 5, 2025, through the evening of November 8, 2025. 

Warning residents of an increased risk of drowning in the ocean, the NWS said large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near the shore. 

Large breaking waves between 12 and 18 feet, along with dangerous rip currents, are expected at the beaches of San Luis Obispo County and Santa Barbara County Central Coast. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. 

The coastal flood advisory will remain in effect from 4 a.m. on November 6, 2025, to 2 p.m. on November 7, 2025. 

Tide levels will rise to around seven feet between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m., which could cause flooding of seawater in low-lying areas, such as parking lots, beaches, and walkways. 

There are high chances of breaking waves at the entrance of the Morro Bay Harbor and flooding at the Oceano Dunes State Park, the weather service added. 

No significant damage to structures and roads is expected. 

Precautionary Measures

The NWS advised residents and beachgoers to take necessary precautions to protect property in the flood-prone areas. 

Drivers are urged not to drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. 

Beachgoers should stay out of the water or stay close to staffed lifeguard towers. The agency also cautioned people to stay off the rocks, as jetties can become deadly in such extreme weather conditions.

In a social media post on November 4, 2025, the San Luis Obispo Office of Emergency Services encouraged people to stay out of the water, avoid jetties, and steep beaches. 

The National Weather Service has issued High Surf and Coastal Flood Advisories for SLO County. Waves 12-18 ft and strong rip currents are expected through week’s end.

Please stay back from the water. Avoid rocks, jetties, & steep beaches. For more info: https://t.co/NgxDHgPrSS pic.twitter.com/sIHbii2N9C

— SLO County OES (@slocountyoes) November 5, 2025

How to Stay Safe at Beaches

The flat, calm-looking water in between breaking waves may look safe, but it is actually a rip current. Rip currents claim the lives of more than 100 people annually, according to the NWS. 

Here are some steps to stay protected at the beach:

• Talk with the lifeguard: Stay aware of the water’s conditions. Talk to the lifeguard or beach patrol to ensure the water is safe. 
• Be aware of the weather and heed warnings.
• Know where life ring stations or floatation devices are located. 
• Swim with a buddy. Most drownings involve single swimmers, according to the United States Lifesaving Association. Even if you are not swimming with a friend, ensure someone is onshore watching you and can call for help in case of an emergency.