Henry 1, the Sonoma County, Calif., Sheriff's helicopter team, searches Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, for two missing children that were swept away in the surf at Blind Beach, that also killed their father Sunday afternoon near Jenner, Calif. A 40-year-old man died after he tried to rescue his two young children who were swept away by a sneaker wave in Sonoma County and are now presumed dead, authorities said. Arched Rock is in the background. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat via AP)
The risk of sneaker waves has returned to the Bay Area, and the National Weather Service is warning people to keep their eyes on the water.
On Sunday, the NWS said the risk would be highest from Monday afternoon through Monday night.
The weather service issued a Beach Hazards Statement for much of the coast, including Point Reyes National Seashore, San Francisco, the Peninsula, and Monterey Bay.
Northwest-facing beaches are most at risk.
The National Weather Service is advising the public to avoid to steep beaches, stay farther back from the water, not to stand on rocks and jetties.
Just last week, a grandfather and granddaughter were swept out to sea by a sneaker wave. According to the weather service, a sneaker wave could strike even on a beach that has had 30 minutes of small waves. Waves are powerful enough to knock over people, move heavy logs, and carry other debris.
Originally published at Will McCarthy