Dangerous Waves Return to Central Coast Despite Hurricane Switching Directions

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KEYT) - Just when beach lovers thought the latest hurricane threat was turning out to sea, a lasting message is crashing back along the California coastline in the next few days.

The National Weather Service has an alert out, especially for those who think it will be an easy summer day at the waterfront.

Of course thousands of people in coastal cities and their visitors are heading to the beach to "beat the heat," caution needs to be packed along with water, sunscreen and a hat.

Swells from hurricane activity in the Pacific will generate elevated surf across south and southwest-facing beaches as well as very strong and dangerous rip currents.

This will especially hit Ventura's Surfer's Point and possibly find its way into Santa Barbara's waterfront past the Channel Islands. There are also concerns along beaches in Northern Santa Barbara County and Southern San Luis Obispo County.

Rocks and jetty areas where the public enjoys exploring are dangerous in these conditions. Sneaker waves could knock you into the water or cause an injury.

The water temperatures over Southern California have been going up in the last week. Readings from San Diego, Santa Monica and Santa Barbara have been 70 to 78 degrees. That's significantly higher than the normal range of 60 to 68 degrees.

(More details, photos and video will be added here later today.)

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