Coastal flood and high surf advisories issued for SLO, Santa Barbara counties

The National Weather Service has issued coastal flood and high surf advisories for San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County beaches for much of this week.

The conditions could bring dangerous rip currents and large breaking waves as high as 12 to 18 feet, according to the advisories, especially during high tide from 7 to 9 a.m. High tides will peak at around 7.5 feet.

The NWS said west-facing beaches could see moderate coastal flooding.

The advisories were in effect from noon Tuesday to noon Friday, with the biggest risk on Thursday, the Weather Service said.

“Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks and capsize small boats near shore,” the Weather Service said. “Flooding of seawater is likely, around the time of high tide, over vulnerable low-lying coastal areas such as beaches, parking lots, walkways and roads.”

The Weather Service also added, “There is a low but non-zero chance of localized damage.”

It urged people not to drive around barricades, to remain out of the water during dangerous conditions and to stay off rock jetties.