Heavy winds and surf expected to hit SB

BY ERIC LINDBERG
DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER

Heavy winds and high surf are expected to hit the Santa Barbara region today and continue through tomorrow evening, causing dangerous driving conditions and creating a high rip current risk, weather officials said.
Authorities expected the strongest winds to top out at gusts up to 70 miles per hour, particularly along the Gaviota Coast and the foothills of Montecito.

“This strong wind event will bring the possibility of downed power lines and tree limbs across the warning area,” according to a high wind advisory issued by the National Weather Service.
Several reports of downed power lines in the Santa Barbara area, along with a large tree blocking traffic on Sycamore Canyon Road near Hot Springs Road, could be heard over emergency radio transmissions this afternoon, although it is unknown if gusty winds caused those incidents.
The high wind warning remains in effect until 3 a.m. on Friday. Authorities warned motorists, particularly on Highways 101 and 154, to use caution and slow down during the warning period.
Storm force winds are also expected in the outer waters off the Central Coast and gale force winds will hit in other areas, according to the alert.
A large northwest swell should bring high surf to the South Coast through Thursday night, creating potential for dangerous rip currents and spillover into low-lying areas.
A high surf advisory issued by the National Weather Service is in effect until 3 a.m. Friday and warns that surf could reach eight to 13 feet and linger through Thursday evening.
Authorities cautioned the public against fishing or observing waves from exposed areas and urged beachgoers to use caution when entering the water. Those caught in a riptide should swim parallel to shore until freed of the strong current, weather officials said.