SAN DIEGO - Big waves were expected to crash onto San Diego County beaches south of La Jolla, starting Saturday, the National Weather Service reported.

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A northwest swell was expected to usher in waves and surf of between 5 and 7 feet at southern San Diego County beaches today with occasional sets could reach 8 feet at peak break points like Sunset Cliffs, according to NWS forecasters.

The high surf should impact central county beaches and those in North County on Sunday as the swell became more westerly oriented, but the highest surf was still expected to be highest in South County, with sets of up to 8 feet possible. The surf was expected to start to subside late Sunday afternoon, forecasters said.

The NWS issued a high surf advisory through 4 p.m. Sunday, which stated the high surf could produce very strong rip currents that could result in dangerous swimming conditions, especially for inexperienced swimmers.