Beach hazards statement in place for Bay Area Shorelines until early Friday morning

Coastal North Bay including Point Reyes National Seashore, San Francisco Peninsula Coast, Northern Monterey Bay and Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast as well as San Francisco County are under a beach hazards statement which was released by the National Weather Service on Thursday at 8:22 p.m. The statement is in effect until Friday Feb. 6, at 4 a.m.

The NWS San Francisco CA said, “An increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents with breaking waves of 14 to 19 feet expected.”

“Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion can be expected. Sneaker waves can sweep across the shoreline without warning, pulling people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches. Large breaking waves can overpower swimmers resulting in significant physical injury and increase the risk of drowning. Dangerous conditions are forecast along the shoreline. Hazards include sneaker waves, strong rip currents, and large breaking waves,” according to the NWS. “Swimmers should remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions. Stay off of jetties, piers, rocks, and other waterside infrastructure. Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous surf and NEVER turn your back on the ocean.”

For more weather alerts in the Bay Area, visit Weather Advisories