Waves To Near 30 Feet, Prompting Bay Area Beach Hazard

BAY AREA, CA — A storm off the Pacific coast is set to unleash intense currents along the coastline this week, including waves reaching as high as 26 feet, the National Weather Service said.

Beach hazards were issued by the NWS, starting 1 p.m. Tuesday through 9 p.m. Wednesday. The hazard indicates an increased risk of rip currents, sneaker waves and large breakers along the shore, the NWS said.

Waves are expected to grow in size mid-week, with swells of 6 to 8 feet Tuesday night growing to 22 to 26 feet by Wednesday.

The public is urged to keep a close eye on children and stay off coastal jetties, the NWS said. West and northwest-facing beaches from northern Sonoma County through Monterey County will be affected.

Large long-period waves are expected by midweek. Forerunner waves arrive Tuesday afternoon with swells 20-22 seconds. Larger swells arrive by Wednesday which could produce breakers up to 22 to 26 ft along west and northwest facing beaches. #cawx pic.twitter.com/8vXXHhaEfk
— NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) December 30, 2019