Bay Area residents are advised to stay alert along the coast through the weekend as powerful ocean swells are expected to bring dangerous sneaker waves and rip currents. In a weather briefing released early Friday morning, the National Weather Service said a Beach Hazards Statement is in effect for all Pacific Ocean-facing beaches in the region through 10 p.m. Sunday, with breakers expected to reach 13 to 18 feet. Forecasters expect the conditions will worsen early next week. A stronger northwest swell arriving Monday through Wednesday could push surf into High Surf Advisory levels, with the greatest risk Monday night into Tuesday morning. Sneaker waves may become “extreme,” capable of knocking people off rocks and sweeping them into the ocean.
On top of the rough surf, king tides will return on Tuesday until Dec. 7. The highest tides are expected on Thursday and Dec. 5 with up to 1.4 feet of flooding above normally dry ground in low-lying shoreline areas. High surf run-up on Tuesday and Wednesday could worsen flooding along parts of the Pacific coast. High-water times will vary across the Bay, but San Francisco’s peak morning tides will arrive between 8:24 a.m. and 10:35 a.m. from Tuesday to Dec. 6. Flooding can begin up to two hours before the peak tide, the weather service said. Forecasters are advising beachgoers to keep a safe distance from the water, avoid climbing on rocks or jetties, and never turn their back on the waves.