High Surf — Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast, California

2023-10-18 · Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast, California

Event narrative

A man around 30 years old from the Carmel-by-the-Sea area got stuck in a rip current around 300 yards out on the water on Carmel beach near Ocean Avenue and Scenic Road. Three surfers heard his cries for help and swam out to rescue him. The man was already on shore by the time first responders arrived, and refused medical attention.

Wider weather episode

Long-period swell from the North Pacific impacted the central California coast on October 18 and 19. Offshore wave heights reached up to 14-16 feet, causing high surf at up to 17-22 feet, with isolated focal points up to 30 feet.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1133549. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.