Forecast Favorable for Surfers; Not So Much for Drivers

As a swell expected to bring big waves and strong rip currents was building along the San Diego County coast, strong winds were developing inland that could lead to difficult driving conditions, forecasters said Tuesday.

According to the National Weather Service, the west-northwest swell was expected to build from 5 to 8 feet in the outer waters by this evening and would stick around through late Wednesday. Forecasters issued a high-surf
advisory through 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Infrequent sets could reach 9 feet on exposed west-facing beaches. The highest surf was expected Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning and could break over jetties.

“Minor beach erosion and minor coastal flooding are possible,” the NWS
advisory stated. “Very strong rip currents are likely.”

NWS forecasters also said areas of northeast to east winds of between 20 and 30 miles per hour in the mountains and between 15 and 25 mph in the valleys would develop late Tuesday afternoon and continue through Wednesday afternoon.

Gusts of up to 50 mph could blow through and below mountain passes and gusts up to 40 mph could be possible near the foothills.

“Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,” according to the NWS. “Use extra caution.”

Meteorologists advised motorists to watch for broken tree limbs and downed power lines.

The NWS issued an advisory set to take effect at 6 p.m. and extend to 6 p.m. Wednesday. The winds were expected to peak Wednesday morning and gradually weaken late Wednesday through Thursday.

-City News Service