The National Weather Service has issued warnings about hazardous conditions at Santa Cruz County beaches this week, due to the annual king tides coinciding with a long period of westerly swell. 

A beach hazards statement is in effect Monday through 10 p.m. Wednesday due to an increased risk for strong sneaker waves and rip currents, with breaking waves reaching up to 10 to 14 feet.

The NWS also issued a coastal flood advisory from 6 a.m. Tuesday to 3 p.m. Sunday due to king tides, which are the highest tides of the year. Up to 1.4 feet of flooding above ground level is possible in shoreline areas and tidal waterways. Expect parking lots, parks and roads to flood, which might bring isolated road closures throughout the week.

Cecilia Schutz is a fourth-year anthropology and Spanish studies student at UC Santa Cruz. Originally from Portland, Oregon, she developed an interest in local news and community engagement over the course...