water waves

Hurricanes Polo and Odalys are forecast to send powerful swells toward the Southern California coastline, which has already taken a battering from recent storms. Authorities are warning of dangerous surf, strong rip currents and possible coastal flooding as the waves arrive. Residents and beachgoers along the coast are being urged to stay clear of the water and low-lying shoreline areas.

California is rushing to prepare for a massive 'Kelvin' wave and predicted sea level rise, according to the Guardian. Kelvin waves are warm water pulses along the equatorial Pacific linked to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, and can raise coastal sea levels and storm impacts. Officials are reportedly moving on coastal defences ahead of the expected effects on the West Coast.

Two people were rescued after being swept into the ocean at Panther Beach in Santa Cruz County, California. Details about their condition and how the rescue unfolded have not been widely reported yet. The incident comes as authorities continue to warn beachgoers about the dangers of powerful waves and sneaker waves along the Northern California coast, which can pull people into the water with little warning.

A Kelvin wave is an underwater pulse of unusually warm water that travels eastward along the equator in the Pacific. Meteorologists are watching current Kelvin activity because such waves can push warm water toward the coast, influencing ocean temperatures, marine life, and weather patterns, and potentially shaping conditions that could affect California's climate outlook.