High Surf Advisory Issued for Newport Beach

Dangerous waves up to 9 feet expected starting Thursday

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The National Weather Service has issued a High Surf Advisory for the entire Orange County coast, including Newport Beach, due to dangerous surf conditions expected Thursday and Friday. Residents can expect waves reaching 5 to 9 feet, which could lead to localized beach erosion and hazardous swimming conditions.

Why it matters

High surf advisories are common in coastal areas, but they serve as important warnings for residents and visitors to avoid entering the ocean during these periods, as the strong waves can be life-threatening for inexperienced swimmers. Coastal communities like Newport Beach rely on these alerts to keep people safe and minimize potential damage from erosion.

The details

According to the National Weather Service, the High Surf Advisory is in effect from Thursday through Friday at 10 p.m. Waves are forecast to reach between 5 and 9 feet, which could lead to localized beach erosion and dangerous swimming conditions. Inexperienced swimmers have been urged to avoid entering the water until the advisory expires.

  • The High Surf Advisory is in effect from Thursday, February 20, 2026 through Friday, February 21, 2026 at 10 p.m.

The players

National Weather Service

The National Weather Service is the primary source for weather data, forecasts, and warnings in the United States.

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What’s next

Residents and visitors in Newport Beach should heed the High Surf Advisory and avoid entering the ocean until the conditions improve.

The takeaway

High surf advisories are an important safety measure to protect coastal communities from the dangers of powerful waves. Heeding these warnings can help prevent injuries and minimize property damage from beach erosion.