Peninsula Under Beach Hazard Statement, Breaking Waves Expected

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazard Statement for coastal areas along the Peninsula that took effect at 3 a.m. Thursday morning and will remain in place until late in the evening.

The agency warned of "a long period" of a swell of waves 8 to 11 feet at 16 to 17 seconds. There is an increasing risk of sneaker waves, rip currents and long shore currents and potentially high surf conditions on Friday.

A Beach Hazard Statement is issued when there is a heightened risk of being unexpectedly swept into the sea by a sneaker wave. People should take caution at west and northwest facing beaches and should avoid turning their backs to the ocean, the agency said.

Other parts of the region where the Beach Hazard Statement was issued include parts of the costal North Bay, Southern Monterey Bay, Big Sur Coast and San Francisco.