SAN DIEGO – The Coast Guard and National Weather Service advise San Diego County of severe marine weather resulting from an earthquake driven Tsunami and a cold front now sweeping across Southern California.
A Tsunami advisory is in effect for San Diego County coastal areas as a result of a magnitude 8.8 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Chile, though at the moment there is only an advisory. This means means that a Tsunami is capable of producing strong currents or waves that can be dangerous to people in or very near the water is imminent or expected.
Currents may be hazardous to swimmers, boats, and coastal structures causing severe damage, which may continue for several hours after the initial wave arrival. According to the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center, if a tsunami hits the West Coast, the first waves would reach La Jolla, Calif., near San Diego.
For more information about the Tsunami visit: NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center
In addition to the Tsunami advisory, the NWS has issued a Special Weather Statement warning of severe marine weather, affecting Southern California through 2 a.m. Monday.
The San Diego coast is experiencing its fair share of the winter season as yet another storm moves across an area widely known for having some of the best weather in the nation.
A strong Pacific cold front will impact areas along the San Diego coast bringing wind, periods of heavy rain, thunderstorms, possible waterspouts, and high surf.
The Coast Guard strongly recommends that people avoid going near beaches or other low-lying coastal areas, especially jetties and rocky areas. Large waves can quickly and unexpectedly sweep a person from these areas. Even the strongest swimmers can quickly be overtaken by the power of the sea, especially when cold-water temperatures are factored in.
For more information on weather conditions in the San Diego area, please visit: National Weather Service advisories.
