San Diego Coast: High Winds, Unsafe Surf

SAN DIEGO, CA - The gusty winds buffeting San Diego County's mountains and deserts are expected to ease up this evening, but the big waves pounding the coastline will continue into Wednesday afternoon.

A National Weather Service wind advisory issued Monday afternoon is set to expire at 8 tonight. Winds of 20 to 30 miles per hour are expected during the remainder of the advisory period, along with gusts that may reach 60 mph in some areas.

In a 12-hour period ending at 7:10 a.m., peak wind gusts recorded in the mountains ranged from 35 mph in Julian to 43 mph on Palomar Mountain to 60 mph in Harrison Park. In the deserts, gusts of 47 mph were recorded in Borrego Springs, and 38 mph and 35 mph in Ocotillo Wells and In-Ko-Pah, respectively. Forecasters said low pressure was responsible for the gusty winds, cooler daytime temperatures and a slight chance of rain.

"A trough of low pressure moving inland through the Great Basin will bring stronger onshore flow with strong gusty west winds in the mountains and deserts into early evening, cooling with inland high temperatures around 5 degrees below average and a slight chance of sprinkles or light showers early this morning on the coastal slopes of the mountains and the inland valleys,'' according to the NWS.

The winds could kick up sand and dust alongside desert roadways, making for hazardous driving conditions. The wind might also be strong enough to down tree limbs. Motorists, especially those in high-profile vehicles, were being urged to use extra caution.

The strong winds combined with a large swell will continue bringing big waves to the beaches. A high surf advisory is set to remain in effect until 2 p.m. Wednesday. Surf of 4 to 8 feet, sets to 10 feet and high tides of 4.8 feet were recorded at 9:22 this morning, with 4.6 feet forecast at 9:51 tonight and 4.7 feet at 9:54 a.m. Wednesday.

A large swell from the west-northwest will produce high surf today through Wednesday morning,'' according to the weather service. "The swell and surf will diminish late Wednesday.''

Forecasters said the surf and associated rip currents would lead to dangerous swimming conditions. Large waves may break over jetties and sea walls, and minor beach erosion will be possible.

By City News Service

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