Powerful surf hammers California coast as warm temperatures bring fall sizzle
Southern California sizzled under a heat blanket while powerful ocean waves pounded the coastline Wednesday, triggering warnings for surfers and boaters.
A strong high-pressure system floating over the state left Californians feeling like it was a toasty summer day instead of fall. By noon, Camarillo in Ventura County reached 95 degrees, one degree above the record for the date set in 1956.
As the valleys and foothills baked, beaches were hammered by strong surf, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters warned the high surf would last through Thursday night along the Central California and Los Angeles and Ventura County coasts.
“Use extra caution at the beaches during this time, especially the Central Coast where sneaker waves will be possible, large shore pound, and long wave run-up on area beaches,” the weather service said.
The U.S. Coast Guard warned that a large west-to-northwest swell had moved into area beaches, with waves possibly reaching 7 feet.
By Thursday, temperatures will cool down slightly, but will still be 10 to 20 degrees above normal, the weather service said.
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