Weather
Waves Up To 26 Feet Prompt North Bay Beach Hazard
Potentially deadly waves are forecast through 9 p.m. New Year's Day.
NORTH BAY, CA — Sneaker waves, rip currents and large shore breaks will impact the North Bay coastline over the New Year holiday.
The National Weather Service issued a coastal hazard message that will be in effect from 1 p.m. Tuesday through 9 p.m. Wednesday. The hazard indicates an increased risk of sneaker waves, rip currents and large breakers along the shore – all of which "could be life threatening" – according to the NWS.
"Steep beaches will have a higher risk of sneaker wave activity with greater wave run-up onto beaches," weather officials said. "Large waves will also wash over jetties and rock outcroppings that may normally stay dry."
Find out what's happening in San Rafaelfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The coastal hazard message is for Sonoma County south to Big Sur, including Point Reyes National Seashore in Marin County. Large waves are expected by midweek, with breakers up to 22 to 26 feet by Wednesday.
Beachgoers were advised to stay off coastal jetties, keep an eye on children and never turn their backs to the ocean.
Find out what's happening in San Rafaelfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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
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