Waves As High As 22 Forecast To Hit Sonoma Coastline

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A large northwest swell forecast to arrive Friday along the Sonoma County coastline was expected to bring high surf and waves as high as 22 feet, according to the National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area.

A high surf advisory for the coastlines of Sonoma, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Monterey counties went into effect Friday afternoon and was expected to continue through Saturday morning.

Large breaking waves of 18 to 22 feet were forecast along the Sonoma coastline, with waves 16 to 20 feet forecast south of Point Reyes and along the San Francisco/San Mateo coastline.

"An approaching storm system will arrive with a large northwest swell that will bring large breaking waves, enhanced coastal runup and an increased risk of rip currents from late Friday into early Saturday," the weather service said. "Individuals are encouraged to be vigilant of their surroundings if on or near the coastline and should never turn their back to the ocean."

Strong onshore winds at the back of the waves through most of the event will lead to enhanced coastal runup of these large breaking waves, forecasters said.

"Impacts will be felt strongest at northwest facing beaches," the weather service said.

Forecasters warned that the large shoreline breaking waves can injure beachgoers.

"Enhanced wave runup on beaches ... can catch people off guard and knock them over or pull them into the cold, turbulent ocean," weather officials said.

The high surf also brings an increased risk of coastal erosion.

By midday Saturday, the large Pacific swell should transition from north to south as it exits the Bay area.