The first big waves of the winter storm season arrived Thursday, prompting authorities to issue an advisory.

Breaking waves up to 16 feet are expected to slam coastlines until this evening, according to the National Weather Service, which issued a high surf advisory expected to remain in effect until 11 p.m.

“These are the first big waves of the season,” Weather Service Meteorologist Bob Benjamin said.

Swells of 10 to 11 feet were being recorded by offshore buoys at 11 a.m., according to Benjamin.

The waves are expected to erode beaches and create strong rip currents along the Central California Coastline.