Sneaker waves seen on the Oregon coast. (NOAA)
Bay Area beachgoers should be aware of potentially hazardous conditions along the coast through at least Monday, the National Weather Service warns.
There is an increased risk of sneaker waves and strong rip currents at beaches along all Pacific Coast beaches due to “a moderate period north-northwesterly swell,” NWS said in a news release.
This includes, but is certainly not limited to, beaches in Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Monterey and San Mateo counties.
A sneaker wave is exactly what the name suggests — a wave that unexpectedly run up farther than expected along the beach, at times “sneaking” up on a someone with potentially deadly consequences.
“These waves can suddenly knock people off their feet and quickly pull them into the cold ocean waters, where currents will be stronger than expected,” the NWS statement continues.
NWS authorities strongly advise “to never turn your back on the ocean!”
The warning of hazardous conditions continues through 11 p.m. Monday.
Originally published at Jim Harrington