The National Weather Service has issued warnings for coastal flooding, high surf and powerful offshore winds affecting Santa Cruz County this week.
The conditions mean beachgoers should take extra precautions around shorelines, where strong currents and high tides present the highest risk.
NWS meteorologist Dylan Flynn said Wednesday that the pairing of king tides and high surf is creating especially dangerous conditions on the coastline.
Mid-morning high tides are expected to be about a foot and a half higher than usual because of king tides. This has prompted federal meteorologists at the NWS to issue a coastal flood advisory until 3 p.m. Sunday.
King tides are predictable but unusually extreme tides that happen when the sun and the moon are both at their closest to earth, pulling the ocean with their strongest gravitational force. They happen in winter in California and often reveal tidepool habitats at low tide.
At the same time as this week’s extreme tides, an advisory for hazardous beach conditions is in effect until 10 p.m. Wednesday due to high surf, which is expected to cause unusually strong rip currents and sneaker waves at beaches.
The pairing of big waves and nice weather might entice people to the coast, where they could get surprised by a sneaker wave, Flynn said: “That’s when we see our most fatalities, unfortunately. Even though it’s a nice day and you may be drawn to the beach, take extra precaution.”
Additionally, strong offshore winds are predicted Wednesday throughout Santa Cruz County. Wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph.
Normally, dry offshore winds are a cause for concern because they can fan wildfires, though Flynn noted that due to high rainfall in November, there is little risk of fire at the moment.
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