INCREASED RISK OF SNEAKER WAVES, RIP CURRENTS, AND LARGE SHORE
BREAK EARLY WEDNESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING…
.A long-period northwest swell will impact the coastline from
Sonoma southward through Big Sur beginning late tonight.
Forerunners will arrive this evening, but the greatest risk of sneaker waves impacting the coast will exist from late tonight through Wednesday afternoon. A sneaker wave is powerful enough to knock unsuspecting people into the ocean. Northwest swell of 3 to
5 feet at 18 to 20 seconds is expected Wednesday morning before building to 9 to 12 feet at 17 to 18 seconds in the afternoon and evening. This will generate breaking waves of 17 to 22 feet at favored locations. Swell periods will decrease throughout the day on Thursday, but breaking waves of 15 to 20 feet will still be possible.
The National Weather Service in San Francisco has issued a Beach
Hazards Statement for increased sneaker wave risk increased rip current activity and large shore break which is in effect from late tonight through Thursday morning.
* HAZARDS…Increased sneaker wave risk, increased risk of rip currents, large shore break.
* TIMING…From 5 AM Wednesday to 9 AM Thursday.
* LOCATION…Entire Pacific coastline from Sonoma south to Big
Sur.
* POTENTIAL IMPACTS…Larger surf at offshore breaks and an enhanced risk of sneaker waves on northwest California beaches.
Steep beaches will have a higher risk of sneaker wave activity with greater wave run-up onto beaches. Large waves will also
wash over jetties and rock outcroppings that may normally stay dry.
A Beach Hazard Statement means the potentially dangerous conditions may exist on specific beaches. These hazards may include large shore break…strong rip currents…and possible sneaker waves. All of which could be life-threatening.
An increased sneaker wave risk means that conditions are present to support a heightened risk of unsuspecting beachgoers being swept into the sea by a wave. Rip currents are typically more frequent and stronger in the vicinity of jetties…inlets…and piers. Swimmers caught in a rip current should swim parallel to the coast to escape the rip current before trying to swim for shore. Swimmers should avoid swimming in areas of large shore break and always swim near a lifeguard. Fishermen should avoid fishing from rocks or jetties. Be sure to always keep your eyes
on the ocean.
