California Coast Braces for Record Waves: 50-Foot Swells Expected

This weekend, hurricane-force winds are generating massive surf along the California coast, with waves expected to reach up to 50 feet at renowned big-wave locations like Mavericks. The National Weather Service has issued its first high-surf warning since December 2024 for the entire coastline from Mexico to Oregon, alongside coastal flood advisories for areas from San Diego to San Francisco.

While the current swell is impressive, the state's primary concern lies with record-breaking high tides anticipated later in November. These higher tides, exacerbated by the expansion of the ocean due to El Niño's Kelvin wave effect, raise fears of significant flooding in the coming months as winter storms approach.

Despite the dangerous conditions, which include warnings about piers being impacted and people being pulled off beaches, surfers are descending on locations like Mavericks. Thrill-seekers and surfers from Florida, Europe, and Hawaii are arriving, eager to ride the oceanic behemoths. However, the National Weather Service strongly advises the general public to stay clear of the coast.