Coastal hazard warning issued for Bay Area coastline

Beach Hazard warning issued for Bay Area coastal regisons

Sneaker waves and rip currents are possible over the next several days from Big Sur to Pt. Reyes; National Weather Service issues beach hazards warning.

SAN FRANCISCO - The National Weather Service issued a beach hazard statement for the Bay Area's coast that took effect at 4 p.m. Thursday and will continue through next Monday night. 

The weather agency is warning of strong sneaker waves and rip currents along the Bay Area coastline from Santa Rosa to Monterey, and everywhere in between. During this time, wave faces could peak between 13 to 18 feet.  

"Mother  nature can be unforgiving," said City of Santa Cruz Fire Chief Robert Oatey.  "Throughout the day it can change., you will have tides that change and the surf conditions can also change," Chief Oatey said.  

"Sneaker waves can unexpectedly run significantly farther up the beach than normal, including over rocks and jetties," the NWS said on social media. 

A building swell from the West-Northwest is also approaching the Bay Area coast Thursday. The swell energy will eventually produce large breaking waves that can be hazardous to beach visitors.

Weather officials advise beachgoers to never turn their back on the ocean.

On Friday, November 14th, a 7-year-old girl was swept to her death at Garapatta State Beach in Monterey County. Her father also died as he tried to rescue his daughter.  The family was visting from Calgary, Canada.   Monterey County Sheriff's Department Commander Andres Rosas said: "We have alot of visitors to Monterey County and they are not aware of the power behind the waves it brings," Cmdr. Rosas said. 

KTVU Meteorologist Mark Tamayo says these kinds of waves are predictable, but can still be surprising to beachgoers. 

Waves can crash onshore with no warning

"While ocean conditions may be calm and inviting for several minutes, set waves can crash onshore with no warning and run up to the rocks and sweep people, pets out to sea," he said. "This is a predictable scenario that always seems to surprise beach visitors."

A storm system moved into the Bay Area early Thursday morning, making for a messy commute. 

Showers are expected to diminish throughout the day. 

Hazardous surf returns to the California coast

A building long period swell from the West-Northwest is approaching the Bay Area coast Thursday.

Beach safety tips

If you're headed to the beach, here are some safety tips to know.

• Never turn your back on the ocean. Sneaker waves arrive without warning and can surge far up the beach.
• If you are visiting the coast this weekend, watch the waves from a safe distance, as ocean conditions can change rapidly.
• Stay off rocks, logs, and jetties. They can be lifted or rolled by incoming waves.
• Keep children and pets well back from the waterline.
• If a beach does not have lifeguards, use extreme caution.
• When in doubt, stay farther back than you think you need to.

High tide windows will also lead to higher water levels.  Here are the projected high tides for the Golden Gate Bridge:

• Friday: 11:00 am
• Saturday: 11:34 am
• Sunday: 12:11 pm
• Monday: 12:52 pm