Santa Cruz County coast faces possible coastal flooding, 16-foot waves and dangerous surf

The National Weather Service will issue a coastal flood advisory beginning on Friday and a beach hazards statement beginning Saturday.  Both the advisory and the statement are in response to forecasts that there could be 1.2 feet of inundation above ground level in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways. It also comes with higher risk of rip currents and sneaker waves, with breaking waves up to 16 feet. Sneaker waves are very large and often appear unexpectedly following periods of calm waters. The agency recommends giving yourself extra time to travel, as road closures in low-lying coastal areas may occur. It also urges people to stay away from jetties, rocks and other waterside infrastructure, stay out of the water and not turn away from the ocean. The coastal flood advisory is slated run from 9 a.m. Friday until 3 p.m. Tuesday, and the beach hazards statement will be in effect from 7 a.m. Saturday until 2 p.m. Monday. Have news that should be in Lookout Bri