High Surf — Orange County Coastal Areas, California

2009-07-24 to 2009-07-26 · Orange County Coastal Areas, California

Event narrative

Local broadcast media reported surf up to 20 feet at The Wedge in Newport Beach on Friday the 24th. Around 1300 PDT, a body surfer was killed when large waves and strong currents forced him into a nearby rock jetty. The cause of death was reported to be drowning. Further south, a Dana Point sheriff's deputy sustained a back injury when his patrol boat went airborne after it crested an unanticipated wave in the open water. In San Clemente, a portion of the fishing pier was closed after high surf tore off a wooden crossbeam. The pier reopened at 1100 PDT Saturday. Hundreds of rip current rescues were reported at various beaches in Orange County as well.

Wider weather episode

A long period four foot south swell generated high surf and strong rip currents along the beaches of extreme Southern California. Eight to ten foot surf with sets to twelve feet were observed at many South facing beaches, and sets up to twenty feet reported in the most favorable locations. The high surf also generated strong rip currents, which were responsible for hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of rescues throughout Southern California. Structural damage and one death was reported.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 188232. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.