Large Waves, High Winds A Comin' To La Jolla, Nearby

A large west-northwest swell is expected to build rapidly this morning and bring high surf to the beaches of San Diego County, which will persist into the weekend.

A National Weather Service high surf advisory will be in force until 10 p.m. Saturday. Waves of 6 to 10 feet and sets to 12 feet are expected south of Encinitas, and 4- to 7- foot surf expected elsewhere.

Strong rip currents are also likely throughout the advisory period, and minor beach erosion will be possible during the highest tides. The waves may also be high enough to top jetties and sea walls.

Forecasters said the west-northwest long period swell would continue to build this morning before peaking this afternoon and tonight. It’s expected to subside Saturday, but a strong Pacific storm will likely lead to choppy high
surf late Sunday into Monday morning.

Rain, mountain snow and gusty wind are also expected during the storm, forecasters said.

A high wind watch is also in effect for the desert areas Saturday afternoon through Monday morning, and through Sunday morning to Monday morning for the coastal areas.

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--City News Service contributed to this report/Photo, Flickr by Phil Gibbs