First storm has parts of Carmel Beach under water

The first storm of the season brought big waves to Carmel Beach on Friday, but a coastal flood advisory didn’t stop visitors from enjoying the calm before the storm.

“Today is not ruined by puddles. It’s actually quite nice considering there is a light drizzle. It’s gently spitting in my face. Unlike the UK, which it will come down like there’s no tomorrow ,” Londoner Ian James said.

The mist, wind and roaring waves pounding the sand, made it a good beach day for James. He said Friday’s Carmel Beach reminded him of home.

“I love the way the fog fingers kinda creeps in from the ocean. It’s really cool,” James said.

James also stopped to snap a few pictures as large waves swept away the last sight of summer, leaving big ponds of water on the beach.

“The gentle waves over the summer built up sand berms on the beach, and when these large waves started coming in today, those larger waves broke over the top of the sand berm and created an area of standing water,” National Weather Service forecaster Duane Dykema said.

Dykema also said the rain isn’t over yet.

“It’s likely that we will issue another coastal flood advisory or high surf advisory as we go into the weekend, later on Saturday into Sunday . It looks like conditions at the beach will be treacherous again,” Dykema said.

But for now, beach goers said they will take whatever the Central Coast has to offer

“Any day vertical is good. So dress for the weather, go out there and enjoy it,” said Greg Lamberg, from Livermore.

“I’m not displeased. I think it’s quite beautiful and majestic really. It reminds me of home,” Ian James added.

The National Weather Service also wants to remind everyone to never to turn your back on the ocean, especially when there are powerful waves.

They also said Carmel Beach the beach should return to normal with good weather next week.