Hundreds of Thousands in California Told to Stay Out of the Water

California residents and visitors are being warned by the National Weather Service (NWS) to avoid entering the ocean this weekend as a series of beach hazards statements cite risks of sneaker waves, rip currents, and breaking waves along stretches of the state’s coastline.

Why It Matters

According to the NWS, sneaker waves can strike without warning and have been responsible for numerous deaths.

“Sneaker waves are deadly, larger-than-average swells that can suddenly and without warning surge dozens of feet higher up the beach than expected, overtaking the unwary. They can break over rocks and lift logs on the beach with deadly force,” the agency explains. “Individuals caught in the path of these deadly waves can wind up being pulled off the beach into frigid water and swift, ocean currents.”

What To Know

A coastal hazard message issued by the NWS forecast office for the San Francisco area warned that “a long period northwesterly swell will result in an increased risk for sneaker waves and rip currents and breaking waves of 12 to 17 feet with the highest waves up to 20 feet in favored locations” along Pacific Coast beaches.

The NWS cautioned that sneaker waves can surge much farther up the beach than usual, sometimes sweeping over rocks and jetties. It added that rip currents tend to be stronger and more common near jetties, inlets, and piers.

“Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions,” the alert said.

Another beach hazards statement, this time issued by the NWS forecast office in Eureka, California, warned of the increased threat of sneaker waves expected for coastal Del Norte, northern Humboldt Coast, southwestern Humboldt and Mendocino Coast counties.

“These sneaker waves can also move large objects such as logs, crushing anyone caught underneath,” the alert said.

It added: “Don’t be fooled by an ocean that looks calm. There can be 30 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave strikes. Avoid rocks and jetties. Avoid steep beaches. Stay much farther back from the water and never turn your back on the ocean.”

What People Are Saying

The National Weather Service forecast office for the San Francisco Bay Area wrote in a Friday X post: “A Beach Hazards Statement is in effect for all Pacific Coast beaches from 7AM Saturday through 3AM Tuesday due to an increased risk of sneaker waves and rip currents. Remain out of the water, stay off of waterside infrastructure, and never turn your back on the ocean!”

NWS Eureka, California, wrote on X on Friday: “Sneaker waves will be possible Saturday morning through early Sunday morning as a swell impacts Northwest California beaches. Sneaker waves are waves that seem to come out of nowhere and can pull you into the frigid ocean. Remember to never turn your back on the ocean!”

What Happens Next?

Currently, the beach hazards statement from the Eureka office was in force through late Saturday night, while the alert from NWS San Fransico was in effect through late Monday night.

The NWS issues forecast updates regularly on its website and social media channels.