San Francisco, CA – Beachgoers along California’s San Francisco Bay Area and Central Coast are being urged to use extreme caution through Wednesday as hazardous ocean conditions increase the risk of sneaker waves, dangerous rip currents, and powerful breaking surf.
According to the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area/Monterey, a long-period southerly swell generated by distant tropical cyclones in the eastern Pacific is moving toward the California coastline. The swell is expected to create elevated surf and dangerous ocean conditions through Wednesday afternoon.
The Beach Hazards Statement covers Pacific Coast beaches across the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Coast. Forecasters warn that south- and southwest-facing beaches and breakpoints could experience breaking waves of up to 10 feet, along with an increased risk of unpredictable sneaker waves and strong rip currents.
Sneaker waves can suddenly surge much farther up the beach than expected, catching people off guard and sweeping them into the ocean. Officials warn these waves can also knock people from rocks, jetties, piers, and breakwaters.
The National Weather Service advises residents and visitors to stay off coastal infrastructure such as rocks, jetties, piers, and breakwaters, remain out of the water during hazardous surf conditions, and never turn their backs on the ocean. Parents and pet owners are also encouraged to keep children and animals well away from the water’s edge.
Anyone planning to visit the coast through midweek should closely monitor local forecasts and beach conditions, as dangerous surf can occur even when skies are clear.
