High surf advisory issued for the coast Thursday

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, December 11, 2019

A high surf advisory has been issued for the Washington coast from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday.

According to the National Weather Service, southwest winds 15-23 mph are expected Thursday, with gusts to 28 mph. The marine forecast calls for wind waves 3-5 feet, with westerly swells of 17 feet. Thursday night, wind waves 2-4 feet are predicted with 17-foot swells. Winds are expected to ease slightly to 13-17 mph and gusts to 20 mph overnight.

The high tide shortly after noon Thursday will be over 10 feet, which adds to the threat of beach erosion and high surf.

These conditions mean destructive waves may wash over beaches, jetties, and other structures unexpectedly. People can be swept off rocks and jetties and drown while observing high surf. Minor beach erosion may damage coastal properties and buildings. Higher than normal water run-up is expected on beaches and low-lying shoreline, and there is also an enhanced threat for sneaker waves, which can unexpectedly run up the beach even further than the already large waves.