Coastal North Bay High-Surf Advisory: 22-Foot Waves Possible

NORTH BAY, CA — A high-surf advisory has been issued for the beaches of the North Bay and Bay Area. Large swells of 12- to 14-feet arrived Thursday and are expected to continue through early Saturday morning, forecasters with the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area said.

The swells may result in breaking waves of 16- to 22-feet along beaches facing west and northwest, not only posing a threat to beachgoers but boaters traveling in and out of area harbors, forecasters said.

The high-surf advisory extends from the beaches of coastal North Bay —including the Point Reyes National Seashore— to the beaches of the San Francisco Peninsula coast, northern Monterey Bay, southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur coast.

During a high-surf advisory, rip currents, localized beach erosion and sneaker waves are possible. Beachgoers are urged to never turn their backs on the ocean.

The weather service advisory states that during high tide, localized coastal flooding is also possible.

"Large breaking waves along the coast will lead to increased wave run-up on beaches with waves topping and washing over large rocks and jetties," weather officials said. "Use extra caution near the surf zone as these large waves will be capable of sweeping people into the frigid and turbulent ocean water.

"Cold water shock may cause cardiac arrest, and it also can cause an involuntary gasp reflex causing drowning, even for a good swimmer. Long periods increases the risk of rip currents. The surf zone will be dangerous due to strong currents and powerful breaking waves."