The National Weather Service expects lightning at beaches in Orange and San Diego counties through 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13, as thunderstorms move ashore. The agency issued a beach hazards statement at 3:02 a.m. Pacific. If you’re on the beach during the storm, move indoors and stay away from metal objects until it passes.
A separate 3:50 a.m. statement reported radar tracking strong thunderstorms from Camp Pendleton to Imperial Beach, with possible gusts up to 50 mph and pea-size hail. The lightning threat at beaches is expected to ease after 8 a.m. A separate high surf advisory starts at 4 p.m. Friday and lasts until 10 a.m. Sunday. Forecasters expect breaking waves of 5 to 7 feet, with sets up to 9 feet at west-facing beaches, and a high risk of rip currents. The weather service advises inexperienced swimmers to stay out of the water.
Where waves could reach beyond the beach
High tides near 7 feet, after adjustment for elevated water levels, could combine with the surf to push water onto some boardwalks and parking lots. Forecasters also warn of localized beach erosion. They expect the surf to start easing Sunday afternoon, though it could remain elevated at west-facing beaches into Monday.
San Diego lifeguards say rip currents can form near piers and jetties as well as along open beaches. Follow lifeguard instructions. If you’re caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore to escape the flow and signal for help. If you see someone in distress, alert a lifeguard or call 911.
