San Francisco, Calif. – Beachgoers along the Northern and Central California coast should prepare for hazardous ocean conditions this weekend as long-period swells generated by Hurricane Fausto arrive from the southwest. The incoming swell is expected to create dangerous rip currents, powerful sneaker waves and breaking waves up to 10 feet at some beaches.
According to the National Weather Service in the San Francisco Bay Area, a Beach Hazards Statement is in effect from Saturday through Tuesday for Pacific Coast beaches. The long-period swell will increase the risk of strong rip currents and unexpected sneaker waves, particularly at south- and southwest-facing beaches and coastal breakpoints.
Forecasters say breaking waves up to 10 feet are possible at some locations. These waves can surge much farther up the beach than expected, sweeping people off rocks, jetties or logs and into cold, fast-moving surf.
The greatest impacts are expected along beaches from Sonoma County through the San Francisco Peninsula, Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay and the Big Sur coastline, especially at exposed south-facing beaches.
The National Weather Service urges visitors to stay off jetties, piers, rocks and other waterside structures, remain out of the water if hazardous surf is present and never turn your back on the ocean. Even experienced swimmers can be caught off guard by powerful rip currents and sneaker waves.
Hazardous surf conditions are expected to persist through Tuesday, and additional coastal advisories could be issued if the swell becomes larger or lasts longer than currently forecast.
