Eureka, Calif. – Visitors to Northern California beaches face a serious hazard through Friday morning as sneaker waves threaten to sweep across the coast from Del Norte to southwestern Humboldt County. The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards Statement in effect until 8 a.m. Friday, warning that the ocean may appear calm before large, unexpected waves surge ashore.
According to the National Weather Service in Eureka, sneaker waves are capable of pulling people into the sea without warning and can also move large debris such as logs, creating life-threatening risks for anyone caught beneath. The agency urges beachgoers to avoid jetties, steep beaches, and rocky shorelines, and to stay well back from the surf zone.
Local officials stress that conditions may look deceiving, with up to 30 minutes of smaller waves before a powerful set strikes. Coastal visitors should never turn their back on the ocean and should keep a safe distance from the water’s edge.
The beach hazard warning expires Friday morning, but calmer conditions are expected into the weekend. Additional advisories could be issued if wave activity remains strong.
Five Day Forecast for Eureka, California
- Friday: Patchy fog early, then mostly cloudy, high near 64.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny with patchy fog in the morning, high near 65.
- Sunday: Partly sunny, high near 65.
- Monday: Sunny, high near 66.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 67.
