Beach hazards statement for Bay Area Shorelines for Thursday and Friday – breaking waves of 14 to 19 feet forecast

Coastal North Bay including Point Reyes National Seashore, San Francisco Peninsula Coast, Northern Monterey Bay and Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast as well as San Francisco County are included in a beach hazards statement issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 6:22 p.m. The statement is valid from Thursday midnight until Friday Feb. 6, at 4 a.m.

The NWS San Francisco CA said, “An increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents with breaking waves of 14 to 19 feet expected.”

“Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion can be expected. Sneaker waves can sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches. Large breaking waves can overpower swimmers resulting in significant physical injury and increase the risk of drowning. Strong rip currents can rapidly pull swimmers away from shore,” according to the NWS. “Swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside infrastructure. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean.”

For more weather alerts in the Bay Area, visit Weather Advisories