High Surf — Orange County Coastal Areas, California

2014-08-26 to 2014-08-27 · Orange County Coastal Areas, California

Event narrative

Huntington Beach lifeguards reported surf of 10 to 15 feet and large, powerful rip currents, along with 10 foot surf at nearby Seal Beach. Newport Beach lifeguards reported surf up to 18 feet, with higher surf to 25 feet at the Wedge. San Clemente lifeguards reported surf of 7 to 9 feet, while Laguna Beach lifeguards reported 10 feet.

Wider weather episode

A large southerly swell around 10 feet, generated by Hurricane Marie, moved through the coastal waters from the 25th through the 28th. This swell resulted in very large surf and dangerous rip currents during this time. Coastal flooding due to the high surf was observed at Seal Beach on the 26th, and reached into some homes. The direction of the swell kept the vast majority of the surf and coastal flooding in Orange County, and largest surf on the 27th and 28th. Surf heights from 15 to 18 feet were reported near Newport Beach and northward to Huntington Beach. The Wedge at Newport Beach had sets of 25 to 30 feet. This high surf not seen since May 2011. South Laguna Beach reported major beach erosion.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 539689. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.