Central Coast Rain, High Surf to Hit Friday

A storm system brings rain to the Central Coast Friday, while a High Surf Warning brings 20- to 30-foot waves through Sunday.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Forecasts

Large dark ocean swells break against rocky shoreline below steep coastal bluffs under heavy grey storm clouds and rain. — A storm system brings rain to California's Central Coast Friday, with a High Surf Warning keeping 20- to 30-foot waves and dangerous currents along the coast through Sunday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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A storm system is expected to bring rain to the Central Coast on Friday, November 13, 2026, mostly in the back half of the day. Forecast models disagree significantly on rainfall totals, and the Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect through Friday.

Why it matters

Rain totals will vary sharply across California, with mountains and coast receiving more than inland valleys in this rain-shadow pattern. Large waves and dangerous currents will create hazardous beach conditions for residents and visitors statewide.

Forecast rainfall for Friday ranges from 0.3 to 1.5 inches in the Santa Cruz Mountains, 0.2 to 1.5 inches along the coast, and 0 to 0.25 inches in inland valleys, while the High Surf Warning projects waves of 20 to 30 feet. Models disagree significantly on the totals, and more rain is possible from additional storms in the extended forecast.

The details

The storm system is expected to bring rain mostly in the back half of Friday, with mountains and coast receiving more rainfall than inland valleys such as the Salinas Valley. Large breaking waves, sneaker waves and dangerous currents are expected along the coast through Sunday.

Friday, November 13, 2026: Storm system brings rain to the Central Coast, mostly in the back half of the day.
Friday through Sunday, November 13-15, 2026: High Surf Warning is in effect with 20- to 30-foot waves.

Seasonal Patterns

This storm follows the rain-shadow pattern common to California's Central Coast, where the Santa Cruz Mountains and coast typically capture more precipitation than the inland Salinas Valley. The forecast of rain paired with a High Surf Warning fits a wet-season storm pattern in which heavy surf accompanies coastal rainfall.

Beachgoers should avoid the water during the High Surf Warning through Sunday, as large breaking waves, sneaker waves and dangerous currents are forecast along the coast. Drivers should expect wet conditions Friday afternoon, with the heaviest rain possible in the Santa Cruz Mountains and along the coast.