Thousands told to stay out of water: ‘rip currents, sneaker waves’

Beach hazard warnings have been issued to parts of the central California coastline, as the National Weather Service (NWS) warns thousands of beachgoers to stay out of the water as “strong rip currents” and an “increased risk of sneaker waves” could strike through Thursday and Friday, with coastal flooding also expected into the weekend.

Beaches Along The California Coastline Affected

The NWS has warned that beaches in the Pacific Coast, San Francisco, and Monterey Bay areas could get sneaker waves, rip currents, and breaking waves reaching up to 19 feet until Friday morning. 

Coastal flooding is also forecast to hit these areas and also locations along the San Pablo Bay coastline—with up to 1.4 feet of seawater expected to inundate low-lying areas or places close to the coast of tidal channels, especially during high tide—from early Thursday morning until around noon on Sunday. 

What Are Sneaker Waves? 

According to the NWS, sneaker waves are “potentially deadly waves” that can come out of nowhere and surge rapidly up beaches, much further than normal, with “no place on the beach is too high for the wave to reach”, sweeping unsuspecting beachgoers off their feet and into the sea.

The waves can be strong enough to move large, heavy objects, like rocks or logs, which can knock people over or trap them underneath. 

The NWS warns that even if the ocean looks calm, there can be 10 to 20 minutes of small waves before a sneaker wave rushes in, which is why they urge people in affected areas to take beach hazard warnings seriously.

Advice For Coastal Flooding and Beach Hazards

When there is an “increased risk” of sneaker waves, rip currents, and high breaking waves, the NWS advises people to keep out of the water, stay off jetties, rocks, and piers to avoid being swept into the sea, and “never turn your back on the ocean.”

When there is a risk of coastal flooding, residents along the affected coastline should take “immediate action,” and secure all loose objects in their property, board up windows, and make sure they know an emergency evacuation route, as they may need to leave their home urgently, without much notice.

If they get stranded, they should remain inside but move to the highest floor possible and take plenty of water and food, along with torches and a portable radio, with them.

If an area is flooded but travel is required, the NWS has said drivers should: “Allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.”

People in affected areas should continuously monitor local weather, surf, and tide forecasts over the next few days and into the weekend.