High Surf — Orange County Coastal, California

2023-01-05 to 2023-01-06 · Orange County Coastal, California

Event narrative

High surf was reported at Orange County Beaches, with tide overflowing onto the Pacific Coast Highway. Elevated to high surf of 5 to 9 feet was reported by early afternoon on January 5, with sets of 8 to 12 feet reported on the afternoon on January 6. Surf slowly diminished through the day on January 7.

Wider weather episode

The series of atmospheric rivers continued across Southern California in early January of 2023. Widespread rain and high-elevation snow occurred, leading to several instances of rock and mud slides, as well as a swiftwater rescue near Palm Springs. Very high surf and coastal flooding occurred across Orange and San Diego County Beaches.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1068500. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.