Surfers and others beware: on Monday San Diego Fire-Rescue lifeguards closed the Ocean Beach Pier due to high surf.
The National Weather Service office in San Diego is forecasting unusually high surf on Monday and Tuesday for San Diego and Orange County beaches.
It has been reported that waves are spraying into public areas of the pier and for safety reasons, it will remain closed until the high surf event ends and lifeguards deem it safe.
A strong long-period, west-northwest swell will bring waves of 7 to 11 feet with sets to 13 feet in San Diego and slightly lower surf in Orange County.
The swell direction is 290 degrees with a period of 18 to 20 seconds.
The weather service said the surf will peak late Monday afternoon through early Tuesday morning.
Strong rip currents are also expected, with minor flooding possible in the lowest coastal locations during early morning high tides.
The weather service warned surfers and bathers of increased risk of drowning, noting that “sneaker waves and other hazards can create life-threatening conditions in the surf zone.”
To date there has been no damage to the pier.
