20ft Big Waves Coming to Bay Area Beaches
Thanks to SFGate for tipping us off that big swells are expected to pound the shores along the Central Coast on Thursday.
It’s the first big swell of the season, and Bay Area beaches are expected to have waves up to 20-ft, starting on Thursday night, 9/24 until Friday, 9/25 at 2 pm. There will be an increase risk of dangerous rip currents as well.
A storm brewing in the gulf of Alaska has caused the National Weather Service to issue a Beach Hazard Statement, in effect for west to northwest facing beaches along the Central Coast from Sonoma County to Monterey County including San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, Montara State Beach, and Marina State Beach.
Waves should gradually subside through the weekend, but the National Weather Service urges “Beachgoers should be mindful of the increased wave activity and rip currents.” With temperatures expecting to hit over 100 inland this weekend, beaches are expected to be crowded, so it’s especially important for everyone to heed caution: never turn your back to the ocean and keep your eyes on your pets at all times.
A Beach Hazards Statement has been issued for west to northwest facing beaches from 5 PM PDT today to 2 PM PDT Fri due to breaking waves of 15 to 20 feet and an increased risk of dangerous rip currents. Obey all local beach closures, and never turn your back to the ocean.#CAwx pic.twitter.com/cG5WUx23f9
— NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) September 24, 2020