Full Notification

NWS Alert: A COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY & HIGH SURF WARNING are in effect from Sunday night thru Tuesday morning for the Santa Barbara County coast from Gaviota to San Luis Obispo County.

A Coastal Flood Advisory indicates that onshore winds and tides will combine to generate flooding of low areas along the shore. A High Surf Warning indicates that dangerous, battering waves are expected to pound the shoreline, bringing potentially damaging and life- threatening conditions.

* COASTAL FLOODING...Minor coastal flooding of low-lying areas will be likely during times of high tide on Monday and Tuesday mornings when peak tides around 5.5 feet are expected between 530 and 630 am each morning. Water could spill into normally dry beaches, beach parking lots and harbor walkways.

* SURF...Surf will continue at 8 to 12 feet through tonight. The high surf will likely diminish some on Sunday morning, before increasing once again late Sunday afternoon and evening. Very
large and potentially damaging surf will be likely late Sunday evening through early Tuesday morning, likely peaking late Sunday night through Monday. Breakers between 18 and 25 feet
will be common across west and northwest facing beaches, with local sets up to 30 feet possible during this time period.

* IMPACTS...The high surf will continue to bring a threat of strong rip currents and breaking waves that can suddenly overtop rocks and jetties. From late Sunday evening through early Tuesday morning, there will be more significant and numerous impacts with the very large and damaging surf expected, including frequent and very strong rip currents and sneaker waves, along with a threat of significant beach erosion and possible damage to piers and coastal structures. The very large surf and very strong rip currents will bring extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening conditions to inexperienced swimmers and surfers, with powerful waves battering rocks and jetties. In addition, large breaking waves can be expected across the Morro Bay Harbor entrance, potentially capsizing small boats.

* PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...It is advised that people remain away from the shoreline from Sunday night through Tuesday, especially staying off rocks and jetties. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

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