Massive Meat Grinding Waves Attack ‘The Wedge’ in Newport Today, the First Day of September!

Big Waves At The Wedge, Newport Beach, Sept. 1, 2011

The unusually high surf that has been pounding the Southern California coast will peak Thursday, forecasters said, prompting warnings of possible coastal flooding and treacherous swimming conditions at the beach.

The National Weather Service has issued a high-surf advisory through 5 p.m. Friday, warning of up to 11-foot waves on south- and southwest-facing beaches.

Newport Beach officials said waves there reached 10 to 13 feet at the beaches and 20 feet at the Wedge.

The surf is expected to generate strong and dangerous rip currents. Flooding is expected at some coastal areas of Orange County when high tide hits about noon Thursday.

While the surf, brought to the region by a southwest swell that originated off the coast of New Zealand, is expected to mellow starting Friday, waves will be larger than normal through the Labor Day weekend.

The violent surf has chewed up the shoreline the last few days and left holes in the sandy bottom, so wave conditions will be unpredictable for several days. So, let’s not go swimming unless you talk to a lifeguard……