National Weather Service warns of dangerous rip currents, breaking waves on SLO County coast

Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves could pose a threat along San Luis Obispo County shores this week, according to the National Weather Service.

A coastal hazard alert was issued Saturday for parts of San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties; it’s expected to remain in effect through Wednesday.

Those areas could see elevated surf of between 3 to 6 feet, according to the alert. These conditions are expected to last from 6 p.m. Saturday evening to Wednesday afternoon.

The alert also mentioned a chance of isolated thunderstorms at beaches, from Saturday evening into Sunday.

An increased risk of ocean drowning may result from the rip currents, according to the alert. The National Weather Service recommended people stay out of the water and off of rock jetties.

This story was originally published July 30, 2022 at 1:45 PM.