A High Surf Advisory is still in effect for coastal areas of southern Santa Barbara County, with officials remaining wary of possible flooding and related damage over the next couple days.

The advisory, in effect through 9 p.m. Christmas Day, is calling for breakers of 8-12 feet along the county’s South Coast through Tuesday morning, dropping to 6-10 feet Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday.

Similarly, a High Surf Warning was in effect for North County coastal areas, which could see waves of 18-25 feet overnight into Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.

The Santa Barbara Harbor area experienced some minor issues on Monday, but no serious issues were reported, according to Harbor Operations Manager Nathan Alldredge.

“The tides weren’t too severe,” Alldredge said. “It wasn’t a big, huge swing. And so, we made out relatively unscathed. A little bit of sand in the parking lot here and along the sidewalks.”

Alldredge said that high tides are expected to arrive on Tuesday morning and Christmas morning, and that’s when the Harbor Patrol is most concerned about flooding.

One possible trouble spot is the Santa Barbara Yacht Club near the harbor breakwater, which in past years has sustained major damage when high tides combined with big surf.

The Harbor Patrol prepares for the taller waves by shoring up parts of the shoreline that are at higher risk of water damage.

“Here specifically in Santa Barbara, depending upon the swell and the tides, we think about … protecting some of the low-lying areas from flooding,” Alldredge noted.

“Generally, it impacts the area in front of the breakwater where the yacht club is, and sort of the harbor west parking lot.”

One way the Harbor Patrol does this is by building large protective barriers of sand to slow down the waves. These berms typically are made by construction crews ahead of the winter season.

The Harbor Patrol also makes sure that any flooding in parking lots or the surrounding areas is draining properly, and clears the area of sand or other debris that washes up.

In the marina, most residents take the high surf as part of living on the ocean.

Jason Williamson has been living in the marina for five years, and says that it’s one of the cheapest ways to rent in Santa Barbara.

Williamson says he is not too worried about the high surf and feels protected in the harbor. He said a bigger concern is storms that appear in January or February, such as the one that appeared last year.

“We have a boat that’s right near the breakwater wall. That was crazy. By far the most water I’ve seen spill over that breakwater,” Williamson said.

As the High Surf Advisory continues, Alldredge cautioned beach-goers to be careful near the shore. It’s fine to watch the big surf, but be careful and don’t get too close.

“When people are going in the water, know your limits. Don’t turn your back on the ocean, and make sure that you’re keeping safety first and you’re not putting yourself at any risk for rescue.”  Alldredge said.

Up the coast at Goleta Beach Park, the shoreline was littered with seaweed and large shells washed up along the shore on Monday, but no significant damage had occurred.

County parks crews did have to clear some sand and debris from the eastern parking lots on Sunday, and expect that could be repeated in coming days.

Click here for the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.