Beach Hazard Statements are in effect for sneaker waves along the Oregon and California coasts, from Douglas County, Oregon, south to the Big Sur Coast.
NWS Eureka calls it an extreme risk of sneaker waves. NWS Medford calls it a high risk.
Northern California Coast: NWS Eureka
The statement remains in effect until 10 PM PST Monday for Coastal Del Norte, Northern Coastal Humboldt, Southwestern Humboldt and Coastal Mendocino.
NWS Eureka said a very long period and energetic swell began building Sunday afternoon. The risk runs Sunday evening through Monday.
Large, unexpected waves can sweep across the beach without warning, sweeping people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches. They can also move logs and other large objects, crushing anyone caught underneath.
Oregon Coast: NWS Medford
A high risk of sneaker waves is expected on the beaches of Douglas, Coos and Curry Counties through Monday evening, for the South Central Oregon Coast and the Curry County Coast.
A building west-northwest long period swell is combining with lower, shorter period northwest and south-southwest swells.
Sneaker waves can run up significantly farther than normal, including over rocks and jetties, and suddenly knock people off their feet.
Central California Coast: NWS Bay Area
The statement remains in effect through 8 PM Tuesday for an increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents.
It covers San Francisco, the Coastal North Bay including Point Reyes National Seashore, the San Francisco Peninsula Coast, Northern Monterey Bay, and Southern Monterey Bay and the Big Sur Coast.
How to Stay Safe
Do not be fooled by a calm ocean. NWS Eureka says there can be 30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes.
Avoid steep beaches, rocks, jetties, piers and outcroppings. Stay much farther back from the water, and never turn your back on the ocean.
Cold water immersion can be deadly. Stay out of the water to avoid hazardous surf.
Details are on weather.gov/eka, weather.gov/mfr and weather.gov/mtr.
